Australian English Vs. American English: You must have realised that there are certain differences between Australian English and American English, not only in terms of accents but also in vocabulary and spelling. We mostly come across these variations while watching TV series and movies from these two countries. Both of these countries have interesting differences in the way they write and pronounce certain words. Knowing these differences is crucial, especially for international students already living in these countries or planning to move. In this blog, we will be discussing some of these differences. So, let’s get started!
Table of contents
- Australian English Vs. American English: Differences in Spelling
- Australian English Vs. American English: Differences in Pronunciation
- Differences in terms of Vocabulary
- Grammar and Usage: Subtle but Real Differences
- Tips to Adapt to Australian English as a Student
- FAQs on Australian English Vs. American English
Australian English Vs. American English: Differences in Spelling
Just like how Australian etiquette and culture are different from American etiquette and culture, so is the English of both countries. You’ll notice a lot of words with the same meaning but different spellings in Australian and American English. For example, it is ‘traveled’ in American English and ‘travelled’ in Australian English. Let’s look at some more examples to understand this better!
Differences in the use of ‘z’ and ‘s’
Australian and American English have different ways of spelling certain words, especially those containing ‘z’ and ‘s’. You’ll notice different spellings of the words ending with ‘yse’ and ‘ise’. For example, consider the following examples-
Australian: Analyse
American: Analyze
Australian: Realise
American: Realize
Differences in the use of ‘er’ and ‘re’
You must have also noticed while living at student housing in USA differences in spellings like ‘center’ and ‘centre’. Words ending with ‘re’ in Australian English end with ‘er’ in American English. Let’s look at an example to understand this-
Australian: Metre
American: Meter
Here’s a quick comparison of the spelling differences between Australian English vs American English:
| American Spelling | Australian Spelling | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Color | Colour | “The colour of the sky…” |
| Organize | Organise | “Let’s organise the event…” |
| Center | Centre | “City centre is crowded.” |
| Traveling | Travelling | “I’m travelling this weekend.” |
| Check | Cheque (bank term) | “I wrote a cheque for rent.” |
Tip: Most university assignments in Australia expect Australian spelling. Set your laptop’s spellcheck to “English (Australia)” to avoid last-minute edits.
Also Read: You must read our blog on Essentials For International Students While Studying broad
Australian English Vs. American English: Differences in Pronunciation
Australian English pronunciation is different, and at first, it might feel fast or hard to catch. Words may get shortened, and vowels sound broader.
Some common traits:
- “Day” might sound more like “die.”
- “Water” is often pronounced “wah-da.”
- Aussies love abbreviations (e.g. “arvo” for afternoon).
Don’t stress if you can’t understand everything right away. Your ears will adjust with time. Watching Aussie shows like Bluey or The Project can help!
Differences in terms of Vocabulary
You’ll often notice the difference between American English and Australian English in terms of vocabulary while you’re in student housing in Australia or in America. Different words are used to express the same thing. For example, consider the examples mentioned below in the table-
| American English | Australian English |
| Sweets | Lollies |
| French fries | Hot chips |
| Sneakers | Runners |
Though Australian English is most similar to British English, in a few cases, it is not. For example, it is ‘drinks’ in both American and British English but ‘bevvies’ in Australian English in common usage.
Also Read: Check out our blog on How To Spend Free Time as an International Student
Grammar and Usage: Subtle but Real Differences
While grammar rules are mostly similar, there are small usage differences between Australian English vs. American English. Here we have mentioned the grammar and usage differences for American and Australian English:
| Concept | American Usage | Australian Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Past Tense Verbs | “Gotten” | “Got” |
| Collective Nouns | “The team is winning” | “The team are winning” |
| Prepositions | “On the weekend” | “At the weekend” |
| Dates Format | MM/DD/YYYY | DD/MM/YYYY |
Tip: Just be open to noticing patterns. The more you write and speak locally, the more natural it’ll feel.
Tips to Adapt to Australian English as a Student
Adjusting to Australian English can feel tricky at first, especially if you’ve grown up with American English. But don’t worry—you don’t need to sound like an Aussie overnight. These tips will help you gradually tune in to the way people speak, write, and communicate in Australia. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Watch Local Shows or Listen to Aussie Podcasts
TV shows and podcasts are a fun and effortless way to get used to the Aussie accent, slang, and expressions.
- Try watching shows like Bluey (even adults love it!), Home and Away, or MasterChef Australia.
- Podcasts like ABC Conversations or Hamish & Andy are great for hearing natural speech.
Why it helps: You’ll start to notice how Australians pronounce words and which phrases they use in daily life.
2. Use Language Apps like ELSA or BBC Learning English
Apps like ELSA Speak help improve pronunciation by mimicking native Australian English. BBC Learning English (set to UK or Australian English) offers grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation tips.
Why it helps: These apps give you structured lessons, perfect for students who want a little extra support beyond TV or class.
3. Talk to Locals — Don’t Hesitate to Ask
Don’t be shy! Aussies are generally friendly and open. If someone says something you don’t understand, just ask.
For example:
“Hey, what does ‘chuck a sickie’ mean?”
They’ll probably laugh—and then explain it means taking a day off work or uni by pretending to be sick.
Why it helps: You’ll learn fast through real conversation, and it shows locals that you’re making an effort.
4. Read Uni Blogs and Emails Carefully
Your university will send emails, newsletters, and blog updates in Australian English. Reading these regularly helps you learn formal writing style, spelling, and vocabulary expected in academic work.
Why it helps: This prepares you for writing assignments, reading textbooks, and even applying for part-time jobs.
5. Keep a Language Diary
This is simple but powerful. Every day, write down:
- New words or slang you hear
- Aussie spellings you come across (like “honour” instead of “honor”)
- Expressions you want to use later
Why it helps: Writing makes it easier to remember and builds your personal Aussie vocabulary bank.
Learning Australian English vs. American English is more than just switching spellings or accents — it’s about adapting to a new culture. As a student, embracing these differences can make your academic and daily life smoother. Give it time, and soon you’ll be speaking like a local!
FAQs on Australian English Vs. American English
American English is different from Australian English in terms of spelling, pronunciation, vocabulary, and sayings. For example, if you are tired then you would say you’re ‘exhausted’ in American English and ‘buggered’ in Australian English.
Certain words are spelled differently in both countries, for instance, it is ‘organise’ in Australian English and ‘organize’ in American English’.
Australian English is most similar to British English. You’ll find a lot of similarities between both in terms of sentence structure and spelling. However, there are differences in terms of vocabulary and accent.
It is ‘apologise’ in Australian and British English. However, it is ‘apologize’ in American English.
It is spelt ‘colour’ in both Australian and British English. However, you’ll notice the spelling ‘color’ in American English.
Yes! Most Aussies understand American English — but using local terms helps you blend in better.
Yes, most Australian universities prefer UK/Australian spelling. Check your department’s guidelines to be sure.
Not harder, just different. You’ll adjust quickly if you stay open and curious.
It might confuse you at first (like “no worries” or “bogan”), but you’ll pick it up with time.
That’s a great idea! It helps you get used to local spelling and formats.
This blog was all about the differences between Australian and American English. For booking the best accommodation abroad to start your study abroad experience you can contact Fly Homes at 1800572118.
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