27.06.2025
Differences Between Canadian English and American English: Important Points to Consider
Explore the differences between Canadian English and American English, including key spelling, pronunciation, and accent variations.
Differences between varieties of English often reflect cultural identities and historical influences. American English and Canadian English are very similar due to their shared roots, but subtle distinctions in vocabulary, pronunciation, and spelling sometimes cause confusion or amusement. For example, Canadian English often preserves British spellings, such as 'colour' instead of the American 'color.' It also features unique idioms and slang—like 'toque' for a winter hat or 'double-double' for coffee with two creams and two sugars—that reflect regional culture and diversity.
Understanding the distinctions among them enhances our communication and deepens our appreciation for North America's rich diversity of languages. In this article from a Canadian certified translator, we will look at the main differences between American and Canadian English, which will help us understand what makes each one unique yet still connected.
Understanding the distinctions among them enhances our communication and deepens our appreciation for North America's rich diversity of languages. In this article from a Canadian certified translator, we will look at the main differences between American and Canadian English, which will help us understand what makes each one unique yet still connected.
Why Do People in Canada Speak English?
Before we explore the distinctions between these two forms of English, let’s take a moment to understand how English even became one of Canada’s official languages in the first place.
We will provide a concise overview of a few key milestones that are important to understand. Three significant events were crucial in the introduction of English across Canada: the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1763, which transferred a substantial portion of New France to Britain; the arrival of Loyalists escaping the American Revolution from 1775 to 1783, many of whom established themselves in Canadian regions; and the effects of the Industrial Revolution in Britain, which stimulated migration and reinforced English dominance through trade, governance, and education. Sure, other moments mattered also, but these were the big ones that shaped the linguistic landscape.
Today, English is widely spoken across the country. The main exception is Quebec, where French is the dominant language, shaped by a deep-rooted Francophone culture. Another notable exception is Nunavut, where the Inuit majority speaks Indigenous languages like Inuktitut and holds official status alongside English and French.
We will provide a concise overview of a few key milestones that are important to understand. Three significant events were crucial in the introduction of English across Canada: the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1763, which transferred a substantial portion of New France to Britain; the arrival of Loyalists escaping the American Revolution from 1775 to 1783, many of whom established themselves in Canadian regions; and the effects of the Industrial Revolution in Britain, which stimulated migration and reinforced English dominance through trade, governance, and education. Sure, other moments mattered also, but these were the big ones that shaped the linguistic landscape.
Today, English is widely spoken across the country. The main exception is Quebec, where French is the dominant language, shaped by a deep-rooted Francophone culture. Another notable exception is Nunavut, where the Inuit majority speaks Indigenous languages like Inuktitut and holds official status alongside English and French.
Canadian English and American English: Spelling Differences
British vs. American Influences
One of the most noticeable spelling differences between American and Canadian English is how certain words are written. Canadian spelling often aligns with British spelling, so you’ll see extra letters in some words. For example, Canadians write “colour” and “favourite,” while Americans write “color” and “favorite.” The same applies to “behaviour” (Canada) vs. “behavior” (U.S.).
You’ll also notice a difference at the end of words like “centre” and “theatre.” In Canada, the “re” spelling is more common, following British usage. Americans flip it to “er” and write “center” and “theater.” These may seem like small changes, but they stand out—especially in professional or academic writing tailored to a specific audience.
You’ll also notice a difference at the end of words like “centre” and “theatre.” In Canada, the “re” spelling is more common, following British usage. Americans flip it to “er” and write “center” and “theater.” These may seem like small changes, but they stand out—especially in professional or academic writing tailored to a specific audience.
Consonant Doubling with Suffixes
Another spelling difference involves doubling consonants before adding suffixes like “-ed” or “-ing.” Canadians typically double the final “l” in words like:
Americans usually don’t double the “l” in these cases, so they write:
This rule generally applies to verbs ending in “l” after a single vowel, especially in two-syllable words. However, it’s not applied across all consonants. For example, both Canadians and Americans write “benefited” (not “benefitted”).
- “travelled”
- “cancelled”
- “labelled”
Americans usually don’t double the “l” in these cases, so they write:
- “traveled”
- “canceled”
- “labeled”
This rule generally applies to verbs ending in “l” after a single vowel, especially in two-syllable words. However, it’s not applied across all consonants. For example, both Canadians and Americans write “benefited” (not “benefitted”).
“ize” vs. “ise” Endings
In words like “realize” and “organize,” Canadians usually use the “-ize” spelling—same as Americans. While British English favours “-ise” (e.g., “realise,” “organise”), Canadian English generally prefers “-ize,” especially in formal, academic, and governmental writing.
That said, some Canadians do use “-ise” in more British-influenced contexts (e.g., publishing or in Quebec), but “-ize” is the dominant standard.
That said, some Canadians do use “-ise” in more British-influenced contexts (e.g., publishing or in Quebec), but “-ize” is the dominant standard.
Difference Between Canadian and American Spelling
Canadian English uses “licence” for the noun (e.g., a driver’s licence) and “license” for the verb (e.g., to license a business). Americans use “license” for both noun and verb forms.
Other examples where Canadian spelling follows British conventions:
These subtle differences can seem tricky at first, but they’re consistent once you know the patterns—and they help tailor writing to the right audience.
Other examples where Canadian spelling follows British conventions:
- “defence” (vs. American “defense”)
- “catalogue” and “dialogue” (vs. American “catalog” and “dialog”—though “dialogue” is also common in U.S. literary or formal contexts)
- “grey” (preferred spelling in Canada) vs. “gray” (preferred in the U.S.)
These subtle differences can seem tricky at first, but they’re consistent once you know the patterns—and they help tailor writing to the right audience.
Vocabulary & Usage Differences
Shared and Unique Terms
Canadians use many of the same everyday words as Americans. For example, both typically say “apartment” (rather than the British “flat”) and “elevator” (not “lift”). So, if you're from the U.S., much of the vocabulary will sound familiar when speaking with someone from Canada.
However, Canadian English also includes some unique words and expressions. For example:
These minor but distinctive differences add personality and regional flavour to Canadian English.
However, Canadian English also includes some unique words and expressions. For example:
- A winter hat is commonly called a “toque” (pronounced “tuke”).
- A case of 24 beers is often called a “two-four.”
- “Pencil crayons” in Canada are known as “colored pencils” in the U.S.
- “Kraft Dinner” or “KD” is the Canadian brand name for boxed macaroni and cheese, and it’s a popular, uniquely Canadian term.
These minor but distinctive differences add personality and regional flavour to Canadian English.
Regional Tags and Slang
In Canadian English, it’s common to end sentences with “eh”—a tag word used to seek agreement or prompt a response. For instance:
Canadian Version: “It’s cold out today, eh?”
This friendly, informal tag is a hallmark of Canadian speech and can convey politeness, solidarity, or a soft check for agreement—somewhat like “right?” or “huh?” in American English.
American Version: “It’s cold out today, right?”
Though used less frequently than in the past, “eh” remains a well-known feature of Canadian conversational style.
Canadian Version: “It’s cold out today, eh?”
This friendly, informal tag is a hallmark of Canadian speech and can convey politeness, solidarity, or a soft check for agreement—somewhat like “right?” or “huh?” in American English.
American Version: “It’s cold out today, right?”
Though used less frequently than in the past, “eh” remains a well-known feature of Canadian conversational style.
British-influenced Institutional Terms
In certain contexts, Canadian English retains more British-influenced institutional vocabulary, especially in government, education, and utilities.
One example is the term “hydro bill,” which refers to the electricity bill. In many Canadian provinces—especially Ontario, Manitoba, and British Columbia—electricity is generated by hydroelectric power, and utility companies often have “Hydro” in their names (e.g., Hydro One, BC Hydro, Manitoba Hydro). As a result, “hydro” has become a common shorthand for electricity.
So when a Canadian says, “I have to pay my hydro bill,” they’re referring to electricity, not water—a detail that can confuse non-Canadians.
One example is the term “hydro bill,” which refers to the electricity bill. In many Canadian provinces—especially Ontario, Manitoba, and British Columbia—electricity is generated by hydroelectric power, and utility companies often have “Hydro” in their names (e.g., Hydro One, BC Hydro, Manitoba Hydro). As a result, “hydro” has become a common shorthand for electricity.
So when a Canadian says, “I have to pay my hydro bill,” they’re referring to electricity, not water—a detail that can confuse non-Canadians.
American Accent Vs Canadian Accent
General Similarity with American English
Standard Canadian English is a lot like American English when it comes to pronunciation. Both are rhotic, which means people clearly say the “r” sound in words. For example, in Canada and the U.S., you’ll hear the “r” in words like “car,” “hard,” and “winter.”
This is different from some British accents, where the “r” sound is often softer or even silent at the end of words. So, if you’re used to American English, the Canadian accent is often pretty familiar—especially regarding how the “r” is pronounced.
This is different from some British accents, where the “r” sound is often softer or even silent at the end of words. So, if you’re used to American English, the Canadian accent is often pretty familiar—especially regarding how the “r” is pronounced.
Acronyms & Canadian Raising
One interesting part of Canadian English is how certain vowel sounds are pronounced. In words like “about” or “right,” the vowel sounds can change a little when they come before quiet sounds like “t” or “p.” This change is called “Canadian Raising.”
Because of this, “about” might sound like “a-boat” to someone from the U.S. It’s not a complete change—just a slight shift in how the vowel starts. Most Canadians don’t even notice they do it, but it’s one of the things that makes their accent unique.
Because of this, “about” might sound like “a-boat” to someone from the U.S. It’s not a complete change—just a slight shift in how the vowel starts. Most Canadians don’t even notice they do it, but it’s one of the things that makes their accent unique.
Cot caught Merger & Canadian Shift
In Canadian English, “cot” and “caught” often sound the same. This is called a vowel merger, and it’s part of something known as the Canadian Vowel Shift. While some people in the U.S. still say these words differently, many Canadians pronounce them exactly alike.
This shift doesn’t stop with just one pair of words. It also affects other vowels, making Canadian English sound slightly different, even if the spelling stays the same. It’s a small change but another clue that helps you distinguish Canadian speech from American.
This shift doesn’t stop with just one pair of words. It also affects other vowels, making Canadian English sound slightly different, even if the spelling stays the same. It’s a small change but another clue that helps you distinguish Canadian speech from American.
Place Names and Measurements
In Canada, the metric system is officially used, so distances are measured in kilometres, volume in litres, and temperatures in Celsius. In contrast, the U.S. sticks to the imperial system, using miles, gallons, and Fahrenheit. That means when a Canadian says it’s 25 degrees, it’s a warm day—whereas in the U.S., 25°F means it’s below freezing. Still, Canadians often use a mix of both systems in daily life. You might hear someone describe their height in feet and inches, their weight in pounds, or refer to a “2x4” piece of wood—an imperial holdover that’s common in construction and conversation.
Also, some place names are different. Canadians say “washroom” instead of “bathroom” or “restroom,” especially in public places. And what Americans call “freeways” or “highways,” Canadians often call “the 401” or “the Trans-Canada.”
Also, some place names are different. Canadians say “washroom” instead of “bathroom” or “restroom,” especially in public places. And what Americans call “freeways” or “highways,” Canadians often call “the 401” or “the Trans-Canada.”
Grammar and Punctuation Nuances
Grammar rules in Canadian and American English are mostly the same, but slight differences can appear—especially in formal writing. One example is how collective nouns like “team” or “staff” are treated. In American English, these are almost always considered singular (“The team is winning”), while in Canadian English, you might occasionally see the British style, treating them as plural when referring to individuals within the group (“The team are wearing different jerseys”). Still, many Canadian writers prefer to rewrite the sentence for clarity and consistency (e.g., “Team members are…”).
Punctuation differences are also subtle but worth noting. Canadians are less strict about using the Oxford comma (the final comma in a list) compared to Americans, who use it more consistently. Its use in Canada often depends on the style guide of a publisher or institution. When it comes to quotation marks, Canada typically follows the American rule, placing commas and periods inside the closing quotation marks (“like this,”). However, in technical writing or when clarity is needed, British-style placement—putting punctuation outside the quotation marks—may appear.
Punctuation differences are also subtle but worth noting. Canadians are less strict about using the Oxford comma (the final comma in a list) compared to Americans, who use it more consistently. Its use in Canada often depends on the style guide of a publisher or institution. When it comes to quotation marks, Canada typically follows the American rule, placing commas and periods inside the closing quotation marks (“like this,”). However, in technical writing or when clarity is needed, British-style placement—putting punctuation outside the quotation marks—may appear.
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