Ensuring consistency is key in academic writing to achieve clarity and logic. However, many students find it difficult to distinguish between British English vs. American English, especially when deciding on the correct spelling for words like “labor” or “labour.” This can potentially cause confusion. For a more profound insight into these two English variants, please read on.
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“Labor” or “Labour”
The word “labor/labour” functions as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, the word has multiple meanings. It can refer to physical work, a group of manual workers, or the process of giving birth. The verb defines the action of working hard or struggling to do something despite working hard.
There is a slight spelling difference between British English and American English. In the former English variant, you’d write it “labour,” while the latter prefers the spelling “labor,” without a “u.” While both spellings are correct, your choice between them must depend on the regional or stylistic preferences.
British English
labour
American English
labor
In British English, the more common spelling is “labour” for both the noun and the verb. In American English, the more common spelling is “labor” for the noun and the verb.
Examples of using “Labor” and “Labour” as a verb
The following examples will illustrate the difference in the spelling of the verb “labor/labour” in British and American English.
- Farmers labour from dawn till dusk during the harvest season.
- The team labours over the details of the proposal.
- They labour tirelessly to complete the construction on time.
- Farmers labor from dawn till dusk during the harvest season.
- The team labors over the details of the proposal.
- They labor tirelessly to complete the construction on time.
Examples of using “labor” and “labour” as a noun
The following examples will illustrate the difference in the spelling of the noun “labor/labour” in British and American English.
- After hours of labour, the baby was finally born.
- The rights of workers are protected by labour.
- Manual labour is essential to the construction industry.
- After hours of labor, the baby was finally born.
- The rights of workers are protected by labor.
- Manual labor is essential to the construction industry.
“Labor” or “Labour” in the “-ed” form
The past tense or past participle form of “labor/labour” is “labored” and “laboured” in the respective English variant. Below, you’ll find an overview with examples.
- British English: Laboured
- American English: Labored
- She laboured to keep the old traditions alive.
- His laboured attempts at humor did not go over well.
- After the long hike, their steps were slow and laboured.
- She labored to keep the old traditions alive.
- His labored attempts at humor did not go over well.
- After the long hike, their steps were slow and labored.
“Labor” or “Labour” in the “-ing” form
The “-ing” form of the verb, also called gerund and present participle, “labor/labour” is “laboring” and “labouring” for the respective English variant.
- British English: Labouring
- American English: Laboring
- He spent years labouring in obscurity before achieving fame.
- Labouring over the manuscript, she lost track of time.
- Labouring in the garden is her favorite weekend activity.
- He spent years laboring in obscurity before achieving fame.
- Laboring over the manuscript, she lost track of time.
- Laboring in the garden is her favorite weekend activity.
Exceptions
There is one exception where the British and Americans share one spelling. This is the case for the adjective “laborious,” which means “tedious” or “difficult.”
- The hike was laborious.
- Her laborious study paid off.
- Fixing the machine proved laborious.
FAQs
This depends on the region you’re in. In the US and the Philippines, it is common to use “labor,” whereas in every other native English-speaking country it is “labour.”
Generally, both mean the same thing. However, “labor” is often more specific because in this case, you’re talking about manual labor.
In Australia, the British English version “labour” is used.
In Canada, the British English version “labour” is used.
In the US, “labor” is used.