British English vs American English

Differences in vocabulary - IV

Drown

In British English, both active and passive forms of drown can be used to talk about accidental drowning.

• He (was) drowned while trying to swim across a river.

In American English, only active forms are used to talk about accidental drowning.

• He drowned while trying to swim across a river.

Awake and awaken

The verbs awake and awaken are irregular in British English, but can be regular in American English.

Awake – awoke – awoken (GB/US)
Awake – awaked – awaked (US)

Awaken is regular in both British and American English.

Awaken – awakened – awakened (GB/US)

Bath and bathe

In British English, the verb bath is used to mean ‘wash oneself in a bath tub’.

• Children have to be made to bath regularly.

The verb bath is not normally used in American English. In an informal style, we usually say have a bath (GB) or take a bath (British and American).

• I am feeling hot; I think I should take a bath. (US/GB)
• I think I should have a bath. (GB)

Bathe

In British English, bathe can mean ‘swim for pleasure’. In American English, bathe is commonly used to mean ‘take a bath’.

• It is your turn to bath the baby. (GB)
• It is your turn to bathe the baby. (US)
• I always bathe before I go to bed. (US)

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