Four key differences between American and British English punctuation

Have you ever wondered about key differences between American and British English when writing for an international audience? As an avid reader of both American and British fiction, I know that nothing pulls you out of a story faster than inconsistencies. You might think that getting the spellings right (favorite versus favourite) or the vocabulary (sidewalk versus pavement) is what matters most. And while those things are vitally important, I believe using correct punctuation and, most importantly, staying consistent are key to keeping readers fully engaged in the story.

Punctuation might seem universal, but like many aspects of language, it varies by dialect. British and American English, while largely similar, have a few key differences in punctuation use. These differences may be subtle, but they can influence how we interpret and write text. As a writer, understanding these distinctions can enhance your ability to communicate clearly and effectively.

Quotation marks (inverted commas)

A most noticeable difference in punctuation between British and American English is in the use of quotation marks.

British English: Single quotation marks are typically used for direct speech and quotes, with double quotation marks reserved for quotes within quotes.

Example: ‘I saw her,’ he said, ‘and she told me, “It’s over.”’

American English: Double quotation marks are the standard for direct quotes, while single quotation marks are used for quotes within quotes.

Example: “I saw her,” he said, “and she told me, ‘It's over.’” 

Placement of punctuation with quotation marks

The positioning of punctuation, particularly periods and commas, relative to quotation marks is another notable difference.

British English: The punctuation is placed outside the quotation marks unless it is part of the quoted material.

Example: She called it ‘a disaster’.

American English: Periods and commas are almost always placed inside the quotation marks, regardless of logic or context.

Example: American: She called it “a disaster.”

The serial comma (Oxford comma)

The Oxford comma (also known as the serial comma) is the comma used before the conjunction in a list of three or more items.

British English: The Oxford comma is optional and often omitted, especially in informal writing. However, it is preferred in more formal contexts or when it helps clarify meaning.

Example: We had cake, ice cream and fruit.

American English: The Oxford comma is more consistently used, even in informal writing, as it helps avoid ambiguity.

Example: We had cake, ice cream, and fruit.

Periods (full stops) in abbreviations

How periods are used in abbreviations varies slightly between the two forms of English.

British English: British writers tend to omit the period if the abbreviation includes the first and last letters of the word.

Example: Mrs, Dr, Ltd

American English: Americans tend to use periods more consistently in abbreviations, regardless of how much of the word is represented.

Example: Mrs., Dr., Ltd.

Though punctuation differences between British and American English may seem minor, they reflect deeper conventions in the way each dialect treats language. Being mindful of these distinctions is particularly important for writers and editors working with international audiences, ensuring the writing is both clear and appropriate.