Aluminium Or Aluminum – British vs. American English

30.10.23 British English vs. American English Time to read: 2min

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In academic writing, a consistent style is essential. Regardless of whether you’re working on a research paper, essay, or thesis, it’s vital to uphold a clear and academic tone. Many students struggle to distinguish between British English vs. American English, particularly when deciding between “aluminium” and “aluminum”. This article will elucidate the distinction between these two, leaving no questions unanswered.

Index

“Aluminium” or “aluminum”

“Aluminium” and “aluminum” both act as nouns in British and American English. They differ by only one letter, which changes the inflection, but refer to the same chemical element with the atomic number 13. The distinction in spelling is based on regional variations:

Aluminium or Aluminum UK flag

British English

Aluminium

Aluminium or Aluminum US flag

American English

Aluminum

As illustrated, the word has two correct spellings, differing by a single letter. It’s essential to stay consistent with the version of English you’re using. While “aluminium” is the preferred spelling in the UK, “aluminum” is more commonly used in the US.

Examples of using “aluminium” and “aluminum”

The subsequent examples highlight how “aluminium” and “aluminum” are used in sentences in British English vs. American English.

Aluminium or Aluminum UK flag
  • The soda can is made of lightweight aluminium.
  • The recycling of aluminium is cost-effective.
  • Many kitchen tools are made of aluminium.
Aluminium or Aluminum US flag
  • The soda can is made of lightweight aluminum.
  • The recycling of aluminum is cost-effective.
  • Many kitchen tools are made of aluminum.

FAQs

The main difference lies in regional spelling variations. “Aluminium” is the preferred spelling in the UK, Australia, and most parts of the world outside North America. On the other hand there is “Aluminum”, which is commonly used in the United States and Canada. Both terms refer to the same chemical element with the atomic number 13.

Both spellings have historical origins. Sir Humphry Davy first identified this element and originally named it “alumium” and later “Aluminum”. British writers and editors changed it to “aluminium” to align more closely with other elements like sodium, potassium, etc. Meanwhile, “aluminum” persisted in American English.

In Canadian English, “aluminum” is spelled without the latter “i”.

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From

Viktoria Kwiatkowski

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About the author

Viktoria is currently on her path towards a bachelor’s degree in Intercultural Management. Her academic journey is complemented by her role at BachelorPrint, where she excels as a writer committed to simplifying complex topics for students. What sets Viktoria apart is her linguistic versatility, effortlessly transitioning between English and German. Through her bilingual expertise, she opens doors to knowledge for students, transcending language barriers.

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As a leading expert in the printing and binding of academic papers, theses, and dissertations, the BachelorPrint online printing service furnishes a diverse range of bindings and configuration options. BachelorPrint’s goal is to elicit a proud smile on every single Canadian student’s face, as they hold their ideal binding in their hands.<br/>Moreover, BachelorPrint provides numerous educational articles on insightful subjects related to academic writing in their Study Guide, assisting students during the process of writing their thesis or dissertation.


Cite This Article

Bibliography

Kwiatkowski, V. (2023, October 30). Aluminium Or Aluminum – British vs. American English. BachelorPrint. https://www.bachelorprint.com/ca/british-english-vs-american-english/aluminium-or-aluminum/ (retrieved 21/12/2024)

In-text citation

Parenthetical
(Kwiatkowski , 2023)
Narrative
Kwiatkowski (2023)

Bibliography

Kwiatkowski, Viktoria. 2023. "Aluminium Or Aluminum – British vs. American English." BachelorPrint, Retrieved October 30, 2023. https://www.bachelorprint.com/ca/british-english-vs-american-english/aluminium-or-aluminum/.

In-text citation

Parenthetical
(Kwiatkowski 2023)

Bibliography

Viktoria Kwiatkowski, "Aluminium Or Aluminum – British vs. American English," BachelorPrint, October 30, 2023, https://www.bachelorprint.com/ca/british-english-vs-american-english/aluminium-or-aluminum/ (retrieved December 21, 2024).

Footnotes

Short note
Kwiatkowski, "Shortened title."

Bibliography

Kwiatkowski, Viktoria: Aluminium Or Aluminum – British vs. American English, in: BachelorPrint, 30/10/2023, [online] https://www.bachelorprint.com/ca/british-english-vs-american-english/aluminium-or-aluminum/ (retrieved 21/12/2024).

Footnotes

Full note
Kwiatkowski, Viktoria: Aluminium Or Aluminum – British vs. American English, in: BachelorPrint, 30/10/2023, [online] https://www.bachelorprint.com/ca/british-english-vs-american-english/aluminium-or-aluminum/ (retrieved 21/12/2024).
Direct quote
Kwiatkowski, 2023.
Indirect quote
Kwiatkowski, 2023.

Bibliography

Kwiatkowski, Viktoria (2023): Aluminium Or Aluminum – British vs. American English, in: BachelorPrint, [online] https://www.bachelorprint.com/ca/british-english-vs-american-english/aluminium-or-aluminum/ (retrieved 21/12/2024).

In-text citation

Direct quote
(Kwiatkowski, 2023)
Indirect quote
(Kwiatkowski, 2023)
Narrative
Kwiatkowski (2023)

Bibliography

Kwiatkowski, Viktoria. "Aluminium Or Aluminum – British vs. American English." BachelorPrint, 30/10/2023, https://www.bachelorprint.com/ca/british-english-vs-american-english/aluminium-or-aluminum/ (retrieved 21/12/2024).

In-text citation

Parenthetical
(Kwiatkowski)
Narrative
Kwiatkowski

Bibliography

Number. Kwiatkowski V. Aluminium Or Aluminum – British vs. American English [Internet]. BachelorPrint. 2023 [cited 21/12/2024]. Available from: https://www.bachelorprint.com/ca/british-english-vs-american-english/aluminium-or-aluminum/


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