Annexe Or Annex – British English vs. American English

01.04.24 British English vs. American English Time to read: 4min

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The widespread adoption of English worldwide has led to the emergence of distinct dialects, each characterized by its pronunciation and spelling differences. Maintaining linguistic consistency is crucial in scholarly writing to preserve clarity and adhere to the principles of academic integrity. The most significant distinction lies between British English vs. American English, particularly in terms of spelling variations. Below, we’ll explore the example of “annexe” and “annex.”

“Annexe” or “annex”

The choice between “annexe” and “annex” primarily depends on the variety of English being used. In British English, “annexe” is only used as a noun and represents the preferred spelling when referring to an addition to a building or supplementary building. In American English, “annex” is the preferred spelling and is being used for both the noun (meaning the addition itself) and the verb (meaning to add or attach). Therefore, the correct spelling aligns with the regional variant of English you are adhering to: “annexe” for British English and “annex” for American English.

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British English

annexe

annex

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American English

annex

 

“Annexe” with an additional “e” at the end, is primarily used in British English as a noun to refer to a supplementary building or an addition to a main building. However, “annex” is used in both British and American English. In American English, it serves as both a noun (with the same meaning as “annexe”) and a verb (meaning to add or attach, especially to something larger or more significant). Thus, both spellings are correct, depending on whether you are using British or American English style conventions.

Examples of using “annexe” and “annex” as a noun

The sentences below illustrate the correct usage of “annexe/annex” as a noun to refer to a supplementary building or an addition to a main building.

  • British English: “Annexe/annex”
  • American English: “Annex”
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  • The library’s annexe/annex holds rare books.
  • They opened a new annexe/annex for art workshops.
  • The office annexe/annex has extra meeting rooms.
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  • The library’s annex holds rare books.
  • They opened a new annex for art workshops.
  • The office annex has extra meeting rooms.

Examples of using “annex” as a verb

“To annex” is the verb form that remains the same across both British and American English dialects. Below, you will find three explanatory sentences, showing you how to use it correctly in sentence structures.

  • British English: “To annex”
  • American English: “To annex”
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  • Our company plans to annex a startup.
  • The country annexes the island.
  • The city annexes the suburban area.
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“Annexe” or “annex” in the “-ing” form

When the verb “to annex” is used in its inflected “-ing” form, it becomes “annexing” in British and American English. This form indicates the present participle, implying an ongoing action of attaching, adding, or incorporating something into something larger or more important.

  • British English: “Annexing”
  • American English: “Annexing”
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  • The government is annexing nearby islands.
  • The corporation is annexing several small businesses.
  • The kingdom is annexing neighbouring territories.
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“Annexe” or “Annex” in the “-ed” form

In its inflected “-ed” form, the verb becomes “annexed” in both British and American English. This form implies the past tense or the past participle of the verb, indicating that the action of attaching, adding, or incorporating something into something larger or more important has already happened in the past. Below you will find some explanatory phrases:

  • British English: “Annexed”
  • American English: “Annexed”
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  • The town was annexed to the city last year.
  • The startup has been annexed by a large company
  • The territories were annexed during the expansion.
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FAQs

  • “Annex” is used both as a verb and a noun in American English. As a verb, it means to add or attach something, especially to something larger or more significant. As a noun, it refers to a building added to or associated with a larger building.
  • “Annexe” is primarily used in British English as a noun with the same meaning as the noun form of “annex.” It refers to a building added or associated with a larger one.

In British English, “annexe” is typically not used as a verb; “annex” is the preferred verb form for the action of adding or attaching something.

As nouns, both terms are primarily used to refer to buildings or extensions of buildings. However, “annex” can also refer to an addition to a document, such as an appendix or supplementary material. This usage is common in both British and American English.

Both “annex” and “annexe” are pronounced the same way: /ˈæ.neks/.

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