Is colour as colourful without the ‘u’?

As a copywriter and editor, I frequently encounter English spellings that differ from what I’m accustomed to.

There’s the American and the British way. And as a Canadian, I’m somewhere in-between as “Canadian” spelling is a combination of both – influenced as a British colony (before becoming a sovereign nation), and its close proximity to the United States.

Examples of differences

Colour. In Canadian and British English, the ‘u’ is included. In American English, it’s spelled as color. But, verbs ending with ‘ise’ such as ‘organise’ are the British way, whereas in Canada and America it’s organize.

Words ending in ‘re’ such as centre (Canada/UK) are ‘er’ in America as center. But over the years, I’ve defaulted to center.

It’s a grey, cloudy day if you’re reading the weather in the UK/Canada and a gray one if in America. This is one I always have to double-check, as I tend to forget the Canadian spelling.

“Cheque, please!” is the common spelling in Canada/UK whereas “Check, please!” in America. Speaking of check, here is an extensive list of American and British spelling differences that you can, err, check.

I have a real appreciation for those learning English as another language.

Here are additional spelling differences between British, American, and Canadian English:

Word	British English	American English	Canadian English
Behaviour	Behaviour	Behavior	Behaviour
Travelling	Travelling	Traveling	Travelling
Labour	Labour	Labor	Labour
Theatre	Theatre	Theater	Theatre
Licence (noun)	Licence	License	Licence
Defense	Defence	Defense	Defence (official contexts like law)
Enrol	Enrol	Enroll	Enrol
Programme	Programme	Program	Programme (formal) / Program (general use)
Catalogue	Catalogue	Catalog	Catalogue

Does it matter?

Yes and not really.

For me, it matters when I’m writing or editing a press release or blog because I aim to align with the preferred spelling style of the company’s region. So, for my American clients I will revert to color, and my European clients that prefer the British style, I’ll go with organise.

I find it helpful to change the default language in Word to match the country I’m writing for.

Ultimately, effective communication about your topic matters more, and most readers—whether native or non-native English speakers—likely won’t notice the difference. So, don’t stress too much and try to keep a sense of humor (or humour).

It’s more of a preference. Like for me, colour is much more colourful with that ‘u’.

Which do you favour (or favor)?