British vs. American Usage Trivia Quiz

Answer: British

In the United States, commas and periods go inside of double quotation marks regardless of whether or not the punctuation is part of the quotation.

Answer: Both

Although in American usage periods and commas go inside of double quotation marks, this is not true in the case of question marks or exclamation points after quoted titles. Illogically enough, however, in American usage, a period would go inside the quotation marks: I have read "The Road Not Taken."

Answer: American

In British usage, a rubber is an eraser. In American usage, it can be a condom or the kind of rubber boots that slip over shoes to keep the feet dry. The phrase, "Dick put his rubbers in his locker," was actually found in an 8th grade American grammar text book, predictably sending the students into titters.

Answer: British

In both usages, both are correct, but in American usage, the "do you have" form is preferred over the "have you got" form.

Answer: American

The British do not use "gotten" for the past participle of "got." In British usage, this would read: I've got very good at taking tests.

Answer: No

The British would say "at the weekend" rather than "on the weekend." It is considered acceptable for Americans to say "on the weekend," though they might more likely say "over the weekend."

Answer: British

The American usage requires an article before hospital: Take me to the hospital now.

Answer: British

In American usage, this would be treated as a singular: "Manchester United has bought a new player."

Answer: Both

In British usage, the word "crowd" is also sometimes treated as a plural.

Answer: British

Although technically correct in American usage as well, this sentence is most likely to occur in British usage. Americans would more likely say: The children are spoiled.