Labor Or Labour – British English vs. American English

04.03.24 British English vs. American English Time to read: 4min

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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 “labour” or “labour.” This can potentially cause confusion. For a more profound insight into these two English variants, please read on.

“Labor” or “Labour”

The word “labour/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 “labour,” without a “u.” While both spellings are correct, your choice between them must depend on the regional or stylistic preferences.

Labor-or-labour-UK-flag

British English

labour

Labor-or-labour-US-flag

American English

labour

In British English, the more common spelling is “labour” for both the noun and the verb. In American English, the more common spelling is “labour” 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 “labour/labour” in British and American English.

Labor-or-Labour-verb-UK flag
  • 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.
Labor-or-Labour-verb-US flag
  • Farmers labour from dawn till dusk during the harvest season.
  • The team labors over the details of the proposal.
  • They labour tirelessly to complete the construction on time.

Examples of using “labour” and “labour” as a noun

The following examples will illustrate the difference in the spelling of the noun “labour/labour” in British and American English.

Labor-or-labour-noun-Uk-Flag
  • 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.
Labor-or-Labour-noun-US-flag
  • 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.

“Labor” or “Labour” in the “-ed” form

The past tense or past participle form of “labour/labour” is “laboured” and “laboured” in the respective English variant. Below, you’ll find an overview with examples.

  • British English: Laboured
  • American English: Labored
Labor-or-Labour-ed-form-UK-flag
  • She laboured to keep the old traditions alive.
  • His laboured attempts at humour did not go over well.
  • After the long hike, their steps were slow and laboured.
Labor-or-labour-ed-form-US-flag
  • She laboured to keep the old traditions alive.
  • His laboured attempts at humour did not go over well.
  • After the long hike, their steps were slow and laboured.

“Labor” or “Labour” in the “-ing” form

The “-ing” form of the verb, also called gerund and present participle, “labour/labour” is “labouring” and “labouring” for the respective English variant.

  • British English: Labouring
  • American English: Laboring
Labor-or-labour-ing-form-UK-flag
  • He spent years labouring in obscurity before achieving fame.
  • Labouring over the manuscript, she lost track of time.
  • Labouring in the garden is her favourite weekend activity.
Labor-or-labour-ing-form-US-flag
  • He spent years labouring in obscurity before achieving fame.
  • Laboring over the manuscript, she lost track of time.
  • Laboring in the garden is her favourite 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.”

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  • The hike was laborious.
  • Her laborious study paid off.
  • Fixing the machine proved laborious.
Labor-or-Labour-exceptions-US-flag

FAQs

This depends on the region you’re in. In the US and the Philippines, it is common to use “labour,” whereas in every other native English-speaking country it is “labour.”

Generally, both mean the same thing. However, “labour” is often more specific because in this case, you’re talking about manual labour.

In Australia, the British English version “labour” is used.

In Canada, the British English version “labour” is used.

In the US, “labour” is used.

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Melissa Gertschnig works as a Junior Content Manager for the English market at BachelorPrint. A love for languages and other cultures has led her to become a foreign language correspondence clerk, with a primary focus on English and Spanish. This gained her a high proficiency English level in listening, writing, and reading. During her training, Melissa had been awarded a Level 2 Pearson LCCI Certificate for Business English. While working full-time, she earned her certificate in Online Marketing, which ultimately led her to BachelorPrint, where she delivers professionally written and educational content for students all around the world.

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