Speak Like a Pro! Big Differences Between US and UK English in Business

Big Differences Between US and UK English in Business

English is the global language of business but it is not always the same everywhere. If you are working with international teams, preparing for interviews, or planning to immigrate, understanding the differences between US and UK English will help you avoid misunderstandings and sound more professional.

Meeting and Office Vocabulary

▪︎ To table a discussion — In the UK, this means to discuss something. In the US, it means to postpone the discussion.
▪︎ UK: Minute taker | US: Note taker or Secretary
▪︎ UK: Diary (for scheduling) | US: Calendar or Planner
▪︎ UK: Fortnight (two weeks) | US: Not used

Time and Scheduling

▪︎ Biweekly — Confusing in both versions. It can mean twice a week or every two weeks.
▪︎ Time expressions: UK: half past five (5:30), a quarter to five (4:45) | US: five thirty, four forty five
▪︎ Holidays: UK: Bank holiday | US: Public holiday or long weekend

Workplace and HR Terms

▪︎ UK: CV | US: Resume
▪︎ Losing your job: UK: sacked or made redundant | US: fired or laid off
▪︎ Time off: UK: holiday or sick note | US: vacation or doctor’s note

Everyday Business Vocabulary

▪︎ UK: Solicitor | US: Lawyer or Attorney
▪︎ UK: Mobile phone | US: Cell phone
▪︎ UK: Advertisement (AdVERtisement) | US: Advertisement (ADvertisement)
▪︎ UK: Trolley | US: Cart
▪︎ UK: Toilet or Loo | US: Restroom or Bathroom
▪︎ UK: Underground or Tube | US: Subway or Metro

Finance and Numbers

▪︎ Money: UK: note or quid | US: bill or buck
▪︎ Restaurants: UK: bill | US: check
▪︎ Numbers: UK: nought | US: zero
▪︎ 777: UK: triple seven | US: seven seven seven

Quick Style Differences

▪︎ Spelling — UK: organise, centre, colour | US: organize, center, color
▪︎ Dates — UK: 07/12/2025 (7 December) | US: 12/07/2025 (December 7)
▪︎ Punctuation — UK often drops the Oxford comma, while US English keeps it.

Final Tip

When communicating in English, pay attention to the words, spelling, and expressions your colleagues use. Adapting to their version of English will help you connect more easily, avoid confusion, and come across as professional and globally aware.

Visit www.duartebusinessenglish.com  for books, English classes, and everything you need to succeed in Business English.