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Discover the essential pronunciation differences between American and British English, from vowel sounds to intonation patterns.
Explore our comprehensive pronunciation guides with audio and video examples.
Browse Pronunciation GuidesAmerican and British English share the same language but sound remarkably different. Whether you're choosing which accent to learn or simply want to understand both varieties, knowing the key pronunciation differences helps you navigate the English-speaking world with confidence.
American: Pronounces 'r' after vowels (rhotic)
British: Often drops 'r' after vowels (non-rhotic)
One of the most noticeable differences:
American tends to use /æ/ while British uses /ɑː/:
American: Often softens 't' between vowels to sound like 'd'
British: Maintains crisp 't' sound
American: Always pronounces 'r'
British: Only before vowels
Some words have different stress patterns:
American: Tends toward flatter, more monotone patterns
British: Greater pitch variation, more melodic
Questions in British English often have more dramatic pitch rises.
Choose American if:
Choose British if:
The truth: Both are perfectly correct. Choose based on your goals, location, and preferences.
Practice these word pairs in both accents:
Practice American flapped 't' in these words:
Then practice with crisp British 't' sounds.
American and British English are both legitimate, beautiful varieties of English. Understanding their differences helps you communicate effectively with speakers from both traditions and choose which accent best serves your learning goals.