Are you a US marketing writer learning to craft content for a UK audience? You're in the right place.
Your reason for being here likely goes beyond "crossing the pond to reach new markets." It's about understanding how to write in a way that resonates with British readers—whether your clients are UK-based or targeting this market.
While the UK might share a language with the US, communicating effectively with a British audience is a nuanced art. Beyond different idioms and spellings, you'll also encounter grammatical preferences and cultural subtleties that can betray you as an American writer.
Before diving in, let’s address a common myth: Don’t assume that British English is always formal and stiff. Tone depends heavily on the specific audience, so always request your client's style guide to avoid writing content based on outdated stereotypes.

11 grammatical differences between US and UK writing
Quotation Marks
US: Double quotation marks (" ") for primary quotations.
UK: Single quotation marks (' ') for primary quotations.
Collective Nouns
US: Singular verb forms are standard (e.g., "The company is thriving").
UK: Plural verb forms are common (e.g., "The company are thriving").
Prepositions
US: "On the weekend," "in the hospital."
UK: "At the weekend," "in hospital."
Past Participles
US: "I learned something new."
UK: "I learnt something new."
Verb Forms
US: "I have gotten a new job."
UK: "I have got a new job."
Date Formats
US: Month/Day/Year (e.g., February 10, 2024).
UK: Day/Month/Year (e.g., 10 February 2024).
Spelling
US: "Color," "organization," "analyze."
UK: "Colour," "organisation," "analyse."
Vocabulary
US: "Truck," "cookie," "apartment."
UK: "Lorry," "biscuit," "flat."
Punctuation Placement
US: Periods and commas go inside quotation marks.
UK: Placement depends on context and logic.
Hyphenation
US: "Reenter," "cooperate."
UK: "Re-enter," "co-operate."
Tense Usage
US: "I just finished my coffee."
UK: "I have just finished my coffee."
Once you’ve mastered these differences, move on to the essential skills for connecting with a UK audience.

Skills to adopt when writing for a UK audience
Beyond adapting your grammar and spelling, here are four key approaches for crafting content that resonates with British readers.
Mind the tone British audiences often prefer understated humour, subtlety, and self-deprecation. Overly direct or enthusiastic writing might come off as insincere or too salesy. Aim for a conversational tone with a touch of wit—but tread carefully with jokes.
Localise your references British readers appreciate culturally specific examples. Swap US-centric references (like football or Starbucks) for UK equivalents (like rugby or Costa Coffee). Small touches like these can make your content feel authentic.
Keep it concise Brits tend to value brevity over flashiness. Avoid over-explaining or layering on adjectives. Get to the point quickly, but do so with precision and professionalism.
Research regional differences The UK is more than just England. Consider how readers in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland might respond to your content. Adjust language and tone accordingly, and avoid blanket statements about "the UK."
By embracing these grammatical differences, refining your style, and tailoring your content to suit British sensibilities, you’ll create content that feels genuine and engaging for a UK audience.
Looking for a UK writer so you don't need to hire a US one and require them to adapt? Get in touch with our CWO, Nadine Heir.
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