The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine

Drohobych Ivan Franko State Pedagogical University

Individual task on the topic

Features of the American version of the English language

:Prepared by

Yulia Chukareva

Group EP-33 B

:Checked by

Natalia Koval

Drohobych 2023

Content:
1.Introduction

2. Grammar

3. Pronunciation

4. Spelling

5. Vocabulary

6. Conclusion

1. Introduction
The American version of English, also known as American English, has several
distinctive features that set it apart from other forms of English, such as British
English.
Pronunciation is one of the most notable differences. American English has its own
unique vowel sounds and intonation patterns, which can vary depending on the
region. For example, in some parts of the United States, the "r" sound is pronounced
more prominently than in other areas.
Vocabulary is another area where American English differs from British English.
Some words have different meanings or usage, while other words are used
exclusively in one variant or the other. For example, in American English, the word
"truck" is used instead of "lorry," and the word "apartment" is used instead of "flat."
Grammar is generally similar between the two variants, although there are some
differences in verb usage and spelling. For example, in American English, the past
tense of "get" is "gotten," while in British English, it is "got."

2.Grammar
American English has its own grammar rules and conventions, which can sometimes
differ from British English. For example, American English tends to use the present
perfect tense less frequently than British English.
1. Present perfect and past simple
In British English, people use the present perfect to speak about a past action that they
consider relevant to the present. 
The present perfect can be used in the same way in American English, but people often
use the past simple when they consider the action finished. This is especially common
with the adverbs already, just and yet.

British English American English

He isn't hungry. He has already had lunch. He isn't hungry. He already had lunch.
- Have you done your homework yet? - Did you do your homework yet?
- Yes, I've just finished it. - Yes, I just finished it.

 2.got and gotten
In British English, the past participle of the verb get is got. 
In American English, people say gotten.

British English American English

You could have got hurt! You could have gotten hurt!
He's got very thin. He's gotten very thin.
She has got serious about her She has gotten serious about her career.
career.
BUT:
BUT: Have you got any money? (NOT Have you
Have you got any money? gotten ...)
We've got to go now. We've got to go now. (NOT We've gotten to ...)

3.Pronunciation

American English has its own unique pronunciation patterns, which can sometimes
differ significantly from British English. For example, the "r" sound is pronounced
more strongly in American English. Example: car, bear, fear.
And the vowel sounds in words like "dance" and "path" are different from the way
they are pronounced in British English.
American English intonation does not rise or fall as much as that of British English, it
sounds more monotonous.
T-flapping: In American English, the "t" sound between two vowels is often
pronounced as a "d" sound, as in "water" (pronounced "wah-der"). This is known as
T-flapping and is not common in British English.
Consonant sounds: Some consonant sounds are pronounced differently in the two
dialects. For example, the "z" sound in "zero" is pronounced as "zee" in American
English and "zed" in British English.
4. Spelling
American English has its own spelling conventions, which can sometimes differ from
British English. For example, words like "color" is spelled with the letter "o" instead
of the letter "u," as this would be in British English.
Tire (American) vs. Tyre (British)
Theater (American) vs. Theatre (British)
Math (American) vs. Maths (British)

5. Vocabulary
American English has a unique vocabulary that includes words and expressions that
are not commonly used in other English-speaking countries. Examples include
1. Vacation (American) vs. Holiday (British)
2. Elevator (American) vs. Lift (British)
3. Apartment (American) vs. Flat (British)
4. Soccer (American) vs. Football (British)
5. Cookie (American) vs. Biscuit (British)
6. Trunk (American) vs. Boot (British)

7. Idioms

American English has its own set of idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms, which
may not be familiar to speakers of other forms of English. Examples include
British idioms:
1. Bob's your uncle: This means "there you have it" or "it's done."
2. Chuffed: This means "pleased" or "delighted."
3. Toodle-pip: This means "goodbye" or "see you later."
4. Blow a raspberry: This means to make a rude noise with your mouth.
5. Have a butcher's: This means "have a look" or "take a glance."
American idioms:
1. Piece of cake: This means something is very easy.
2. Break a leg: This is a way of wishing someone good luck, particularly before a
performance.
3. Hit the hay: This means to go to bed.
4. Under the weather: This means someone is feeling sick or unwell.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the American version of the English language has several unique
features that distinguish it from other variants of English spoken around the world.
These features include differences in pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and
spelling.
Some of these differences are rooted in historical and cultural factors, while others
have emerged due to the influence of technology and media. Despite these
differences, American English remains one of the most widely spoken and influential
forms of the English language