Easy Tips to Speak British Easy Tips to Speak British Accent

Ah British English! It might not be the most common variety of English, or the easiest one to understand. But there's something charming about it, right?

The vast majority of English speakers learn a US variety , but there are plenty of good reasons students sometimes aim for the British version instead. Perhaps you're about to take a Cambridge English exam, or planning to study in London. Maybe you just really love Harry Potter.

In any case, here's what you need to know to speak English just like the English do, from common slang terms to grammar rules and pronunciation.

What makes British English unique?

Here are the five main things that distinguish British English from other varieties — the five areas you'll need to conquer!

Accent

There's actually no such thing as "a British accent." Or to be more precise, there's no such thing as a single, unified "British accent." There are a number of highly distinct accents within the United Kingdom. Some of them are so strong that even native English speakers struggle to understand them!

Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales are all countries included in the term "Britain," yet people from these places have very distinct accents, influenced by separate, local languages. What's more, there's great regional variation in the accents of the North of England. That's because towns and cities in the nation's colder areas have historically been more isolated, with a lower population density. For instance, Liverpool and Manchester are less than 90 miles apart, but native residents of both cities sound completely different!

When non-British people talk about "a British accent", they are usually referring to an accent  called Received Pronunciation — RP, or "the Queen's English." This is the accent of documentary voiceover artists, Harry Potter and his mates, or baddies in Hollywood blockbusters. RP is less common in the UK than you might think. It's predominantly spoken by upper and middle-class people living in North London and other Southern regions. Depending on where you are in the UK, it's often considered "posh"!

Spelling

In many cases, English words are spelled differently, depending on whether you're using UK or US varieties. If you do most of your typing or messaging with a screen, this is one thing you'll mostly be able to rely on autocorrect for. However, it's useful to be aware of.

The Americans aren't shy with using the letter "z," but it rarely appears in the middle of British English words. For example, check out the spellings of:

• Memorized (US English)
• Memorised (UK English)

Whereas the Brits often throw in some extra vowels, like so:

• Color (US English)
• Colour (UK English)

Unfortunately, there is no strict pattern to these rules, nor do they point to a pronunciation difference. Don't be too hard on yourself if you get US and UK spellings mixed up — native speakers regularly do too. An autocorrect tool, set to British English, is your friend!

Vocabulary and slang

Native English speakers from the US and the UK can almost always understand each other perfectly. However, a surprising amount of day-to-day vocabulary is different. Some words have completely different meanings:

• In the US, "pants" are the clothes that cover your legs.
• In the UK, "pants" means underwear, and the clothes that cover your legs are "trousers."

The UK also has many more mild swear words than the US (famously, "blimey" and "bloody") and slang words for slightly rude concepts ("loo," "john" and "bog" all mean toilet).

Try to think of region-specific vocabulary as something fun you'll pick up along the way rather than a topic worthy of intense study. Slang is usually the first thing that native speakers of any language are excited to teach! That said, if you'd like a vocab list to study, check out our article on American vs. British English: terms & phrases compared .

Pronunciation

Did you know, a US English accent is thought to be closer to the original version of modern English, of the 17th Century, than the English accents heard in England? Linguists say it's simply easier to make the sounds of US English.

It's easier to explain pronunciation via audio recordings and videos, but here are some common examples of differences to look out for:

• In US English, the word "water" is pronounced "waadder", the "a" sound is stressed, but the "t" virtually disappears. In UK English, the word "water" is pronounced "worter" with a clear and clipped "t" sound.
• US English speakers tend to lean on the "a" sound when it appears in the middle of a word. For instance, a US English speaker would pronounce tomato "tom-AIY-to." By contrast, a UK English speaker would clip the sound, so the "a" is barely heard — "tom-art-o."

If you're looking for an audible explanation of the differences, take a look at this video:

The easiest way to learn pronunciation differences is slowly, by exposing yourself to the accent over time. However, if there's any individual word you really need to learn to say correctly, try looking up the English pronunciation on Cambridge English Dictionary online.

Grammar

There are some subtle grammar differences between US and UK English. However, don't worry too much about them. Grammar isn't usually taught in British schools. A lot of the time, if you accidentally use the American version of a common rule, a native British English speaker won't even be able to tell!

Here are some small points to take note of:

• When talking about the date that something takes place, UK English speakers use the preposition "at". I will bake a cake at the weekend. US English speakers use the preposition "on" instead: I will bake a cake on the weekend.
• North Americans use the word "gotten" as the past participle of "get" I've gotten all the ingredients for the cake. In the UK, this is considered too old-fashioned, and "got" is used instead: I've got all the ingredients for the cake.
• North Americans usually use the past simple tense when describing something that has recently happened: I ate too much cake , while people in the UK are more likely to use the present perfect tense: I've eaten too much cake.

However, these are the kinds of variations you'll only need to worry about at a very advanced level.

8 tips on how to speak British English

The process of learning to speak British English is largely the same as learning English in general. The main difference is that you should plan your study materials so that British English is the language version you are exposed to the most.

1. Watch British TV and Film

One reason — perhaps the biggest reason — that the North American accent is now dominant among ESL speakers, is that the US dominates the English-language media and entertainment industry. Hollywood and Netflix are definitely the biggest names!

If you're trying to learn a British accent, however, this can disrupt your focus. What's more, British characters in North American films are frequently played by American actors, which leads to "English accents" that most British people find toe-curlingly inaccurate.

You should limit your contact with US-produced series, and focus instead on British television series and film. Luckily, there's a lot to discover! The BBC, the broadcasting company owned by the British state, has produced many highly successful TV shows (or programmes!) for example:

• Doctor Who — a long-running science-fiction program about a person who can travel through time in a phone booth.

• Fleabag — a dark, feminist comedy about a single woman living in London. Explicit.

• Sherlock — a high-budget, contemporary remaking of some of the most famous detective stories in the English-speaking world.

• Blue Planet — a series of highly cinematic nature documentaries about the ocean.

• Louis Theroux's Weird Weekends — a classic series of investigative documentaries interviewing people who live unorthodox lives, from alien hunters to polygamists.

• The Mighty Boosh — a psychedelic comedy popular with alternative teenagers.

• The Great British Bake-off — a soothing reality TV show where bakers compete to make the best cakes in the country.
• Peep Show — a dark comedy about two single men who share a flat in a poor part of London. Explicit.

These shows are considered classics — mention that you watch one of them to any British person, and you'll see the flash of recognition in their eyes! If none of these sound interesting to you, you can also try searching Netflix for British TV shows.

2. Find a native British English speaker to teach you

Are you really serious about learning to speak British English? Finding a tutor who is a native British English speaker is the surest way to make it happen. You can easily find a British English tutor on Preply to take online lessons with. Use our search filters to make sure they're available when you want, have great reviews, and charge what you can afford to pay.

There's just no substitute for a native speaker's guidance! Crucially, you'll get used to understanding a British accent in spoken conversation — so many ESL speakers struggle with this at first, since US accents are far more common. You'll also get real-time feedback on your accent and vocabulary. They'll be able to tell you which sounds you're pronouncing perfectly, and help you identify areas that need work.

Your native speaker tutor will be able to suggest British words and expressions for things you want to say. They'll also be a valuable link to British culture, and be able to recommend books, music and TV shows that suit your tastes and language level. Even just one or two lessons per week will help you see a lot of progress!

3. Use resources made for British English learners

If you want to learn the British variety of English, you'll have to narrow down the learning resources available to you. For a lot of students, this will come as a relief! There's a lot of material out there, so now you know what to eliminate, and what to look for.

Luckily, the British state invests a lot of money into free resources to teach ESL learners to speak British English. Such initiatives include:

• BBC Learning English . A huge database of topical, up-to-date ESL learning materials. They have quizzes, an app, a YouTube channel and a great section called "60 seconds to learn English" which aims to teach you a new English language grammar rule or piece of vocabulary in a minute-long audio clip.
• British Council: Learn English Online Another well-resourced bank of resources for learning English, with exercises aimed at every level of your learner development. The section for those who are learning English for business is particularly strong. The British Council also runs a lot of online and in-person courses.

There's also a wealth of privately-owned resources for British English learners, from the materials by the exam board and publishers, Cambridge English , to specialist courses on Coursera , to decks of British English flashcards on Memrise .

4. Make British friends

It's so easy to pick up the speech habits of your friends — expressions, accents, slang! Make the most of this phenomenon by buddying up with a native British English speaker or two.

Unless you live in or near the UK, the easiest way to do this is online: whether that's playing video games, finding online communities in places like Facebook and Reddit or by using language exchange apps .

If you go down the language exchange route, state on your profile that you're looking to connect with British English speakers. Pro tip: check if there's a time difference between where you live and the UK. Make sure you're using the app at a time when British English speakers are awake!

5. Set your gadgets to British English

If you're learning English in the 2020s, the chances are, you're learning on a screen a lot of the time. Try switching your phone, tablet or laptop settings to British English. This way, when autocorrect changes errors in your spelling or grammar, they'll correct them to the British version, rather than the more common US version. You'll also get used to seeing the British English versions of common words. If you use virtual assistant tools like Siri and Cortana, you'll get a British-accented robot to practice your listening skills with too!

6. Find accent videos on YouTube

YouTube is an essential tool for anyone learning a new accent. There is a huge supply of experts to teach you the exact shapes and movements you need to make in order to produce convincing British English sounds. Check out:

• British Pronunciation Secrets by ETJ Languages
• How to sound British by 5 minute languages
• Pronounce the 100 Most Common English Words by English with Lucy
• British vs American English by Linguamarina
• 4 Ways to INSTANTLY Sound More British by Anpu

Remember: any sounds you struggle with are probably difficult for everyone with the same native language as you. Try searching YouTube for "British English pronunciation for native [Arabic / Ukrainian / French] speakers" for videos explaining how others have overcome the same problems!

7. Listen to British podcasts

Podcasts are a great way to soak up any accent in its most natural form: spontaneous conversation. There's also the added bonus that you don't have to give them your full attention, this is all about passive learning. If you're still around intermediate level, check out:

• Learn English Podcast from the British Council
• 6-Minute English from the BBC
• The English We Speak from the BB
• Luke's English Podcast

If you're already at an advanced level with your English skills (lucky you!) find a British podcast that relates to your interests! For starters, check out the UK podcast charts in your favorite listening app.

8. Sing along to British music

Music is another fantastic way of exposing yourself to more British English. Singing along can really help improve your accent! However, this comes with a big disclaimer. Lots of British rock and pop musicians sing with a significantly more neutral or Americanised accent than their spoken voice. This is a very well-known phenomenon — stars who are famously British—  from Mick Jagger to Ed Sheeran  — cross the Atlantic with their vocal cords!

However, it is possible to find British accents in popular music. To get you started, here are some UK-based singers and groups whose accents come through very clearly:

• The Beatles (and a lot of other 1960s British Pop music — Fairport Convention, The Zombies, The Kinks, The Small Faces)
• Oasis (and a lot of other 1990s "Britpop" bands including Pulp and Suede)
• The Cure, The Smiths (1980s Indie Rock)
• Laura Marling (2000s folk Pop)
• Lily Allen (2000s Pop)

If you want something more contemporary, try listening to BBC Radio 6 , a national radio station dedicated to emerging British artists. You could also ask a British English tutor or British friend for more recommendations.

20 British slang terms & idioms you need to know

Chances are, any British tutor or friend you know will be very enthusiastic about introducing you to slang, but here are some words to get you started.

1. Bloke

Look at that bloke in the grey jumper waiting at the bus stop

Slang for an adult man. Sounds quite colloquial and jokey. It's common to describe a nice guy as "a good bloke."

2. Loo

Give me five minutes, I need the loo.

Informal, polite term for toilet. People often use the phrase "nip to the loo," which means "go quickly to the toilet."

3. Cheers

Cheers for photocopying that for me!

A friendly way to say "thank you." Like "thanks!" it can also be used as an exclamation of gratitude, on its own "cheers!"

Notice that "cheers" is also what people say when they suggest raising their drinks in a toast. The word has two meanings.

4. Reckon

I reckon we'll have another quarantine here soon.

"I reckon" is a very common way to say "I think" or "in my opinion." It is used by people of all ages. You can also say "I reckon so," which means "I think that as well" or "I agree with you."

5. Gutted

I was gutted when we lost the world cup again.

"Gutted" means very disappointed. So disappointed that you feel the misery in your guts!

Young people also sometimes say "gutted" as a standalone expression — "Gutted!" Depending on the  context, it means "I am/you must be very disappointed."

6. Mate

Can you lend me a pen, mate?

"Mate" means friend, but it is used to address or describe any person who you relate to informally.

7. Posh

Stuart's new boyfriend is a bit posh, did you notice his expensive shoes?

"Posh" is another word for rich, or fancy. It's very common and usually has negative connotations, suggesting that something might be snobbish, or too good for ordinary people.

Sometimes it is used ironically to refer to something rich or pretentious in an enjoyable way ie Let's go to that posh cafe!

8. Sick

Have you seen the new season yet? You have to watch it! It's sick!

"Sick" means very cool, fantastic. It was originally only used by skaters, but most British people under the age of thirty use it occasionally now.

9. Lie-in

I'm going to have a lie-in on Saturday, I cannot wait!

A "lie-in" is when you wake up later than you usually do, so that you can feel rested. It's a concept that US English speakers need to have a word for!

10. Chuffed

I was so chuffed with the present you bought me!

"Chuffed" is a stronger, friendlier way of saying "glad", or "thankful." You might also hear people from the North of England saying "dead chuffed" which shows even more delight!

11. Fit

All the people who work at that coffee shop are fit.

"Fit" is an informal, slightly crude term for someone you find physically attractive.

12. Rubbish

No, I'm sorry, I don't like that idea at all! It's rubbish.

"Rubbish" is the UK-English word for "trash." In a slang context, it functions as an adverb, and means "bad," "terrible" or "useless."

13. Chat

She had really good chat. I'd love to see her again.

In this context, "chat" functions as a noun. It loosely means "conversation skills" or "ability to keep me entertained with their jokes and ideas." To say that someone has "bad chat" or "no chat" means that they are boring to talk to. It is a term commonly used by young people in London.

14. Skive

Skive off school today and come to the beach with me!

"Skive" is a slang verb which means, to ignore your duties or responsibilities for something more fun, or because you're lazy. A "skiver" is a person who ignores their responsibilities.

15. Snog

I heard they had a snog at the end of the party.

"Snog" is another word for "kiss" or "make out." It is quite old-fashioned now, and sounds a little silly, but is still very much in use.

16. Fancy

I do NOT fancy Michel Buble.

In a slang context, "fancy" is a verb, which means "to have a crush on" or "to find romantically attractive."

17. Can't be bothered

I can't be bothered to leave the house today.

"Can't be bothered" is a phrasal verb which means "feel too lazy to do something." As in, to do this activity would disrupt my current feeling of relaxation, it would cause me irritation or "bother."

18. Skint

I wish I could join you but I'm skint at the moment. No pub for me, I'm afraid.

"Skint" means "without money." It's usually used in a jokey way, to refer to short-term money problems.

19. Kip

We've been driving for hours, shall we stop the car and have a kip?

"A kip" is another word for "a sleep." It usually refers to naps, but sometimes British English speakers talk about getting "a good night's kip." "A good kip" is a satisfying sleep.

20. Knackered

Did you drive all through the night? You must be knackered.

"Knackered" is a synonym for "exhausted." It is not considered a rude thing to say, just a little informal.

A brief afterword

From a logistical point of view, learning British English is no harder than learning US English. It's just a case of continually choosing learning materials that support this ambition! It might feel a little bit obsessive to always opt for British films, British podcasts, British books — but if you've got a burning motivation to sound like Emma Watson, this is how to program your brain.

The closest thing to a shortcut to learning British English? Lessons with a tutor who is a native British English speaker . With regular conversation, you'll effortlessly start to pick up their pronunciations, expressions and vocabulary. Bloody brilliant!

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Source: https://preply.com/en/blog/how-to-speak-british-english/

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