Published on
July 1, 2024
by
Julia Merkus, MA
Revised on
May 1, 2025
Behaviour and behavior are different spellings of the noun used to refer to the way someone or something behaves or acts. The spelling depends on the type of English you use.
In British English, “behaviour” is standard
In American English, “behavior” is correct.
It’s important to choose one type of English and use it consistently. The QuillBot Grammar Checker can help you with this.
Examples: Behaviour or behavior in a sentenceThe principal praised the students for their exemplary behaviour/behavior.
Logan’s erratic behaviour/behavior raised concerns among his friends and family.
The study of consumer behaviour/behavior is vital for product development.
Behavior or behaviour is often preceded by an attributive noun (e.g., “animal behavior/behaviour”) or an adjective (e.g., “good behavior/behaviour”).
Published on
July 1, 2024
by
Julia Merkus, MA
Revised on
July 14, 2025
Sincerely yours is commonly used as a sign-off before your name to end an email or letter. You typically use it when you’re writing to someone you already know to some extent.
Sincerely yours consists of the adverbsincerely (which means “genuinely”) and the possessive pronounyours. The sign-off should always be followed by a comma. It’s used in a similar way to Yours truly, although that’s traditionally used for people you haven’t communicated with before. Nowadays, this distinction is no longer as strict.
Example: Sincerely yoursDear Miss Levy,
I am writing to ask you about …
Sincerely yours,
Mercedes Akafi
Whether you have or haven’t communicated with someone before, it’s important that your emails don’t contain spelling and grammar mistakes. The QuillBot Grammar Checker can help you with this.
Published on
July 1, 2024
by
Julia Merkus, MA
Revised on
May 1, 2025
Color and colour are two ways of spelling the same noun, meaning “shade” or “hue.” It can also be used as a verb to mean “change something’s color” (e.g., by painting). The spelling depends on the version of English you use.
In American English, “color” is correct.
In British English, “colour” is standard.
It’s important to choose one spelling and use it consistently. The QuillBot Grammar Checker can help you with this.
Examples: Color or colour in a sentenceHank’s favoritecolor/colour is green.
I love your ginger hair! Did you color/colour it?
The children eagerly sat down to color/colour in the doctor’s practice.
Published on
July 1, 2024
by
Julia Merkus, MA
Revised on
May 1, 2025
Favourite and favorite are two ways of spelling the noun or adjective meaning “most preferred.” It can also be used as a verb to mean “mark something as the most preferred” (e.g., on social media). The spelling depends on the type of English you use.
In British English, “favourite” is standard.
In American English, “favorite” is correct.
It’s important to choose one type of English and use it consistently. The QuillBot Grammar Checker can help you with this.
Examples: Favourite or favorite in a sentenceLola’s favourite/favoritecolor is gray.
“Do you like chocolate ice cream?” “Yes, it’s my absolute favourite/favorite!
I favourited/favorited this picture so I’d be able to find it again in the future.
Published on
July 1, 2024
by
Julia Merkus, MA
Revised on
May 1, 2025
Practise and practice are two spellings of the same verb meaning “engage in something professionally” or “train by repetition.” The spelling depends on whether you’re using American or British English.
Practice is also used as a noun meaning “training” or “the application of a method.” It can also be used to refer to the business of a lawyer or doctor. The noun is always spelled with a “c.”
In British English, “practise” is used as a verb and “practice” as a noun.
In American English, “practice” is used as both the verb and noun. “Practise” is never correct.
A QuillBot grammar check can help you use either American or British English consistently.
Examples: Practise or practice in a sentenceJudy practises/practices law at a prestigious firm in the city.
I’m sure you’ll learn how to crochet. You just have to practise/practice.
I’ll see you tomorrow at baseball practice
Leonard spends 50 hours a week at his doctor’s practice in Boston.
Published on
July 1, 2024
by
Julia Merkus, MA
Revised on
May 1, 2025
Labor and labour are two ways of spelling the same noun, which refers to (physical) work or the process of giving birth. It can also be used as a verb meaning “make a great effort” or “endlessly discuss something.” The spelling depends on the type of English you use.
In American English, “labor” is correct.
In British English, “labour” is standard.
It’s important to choose one spelling and use it consistently. A QuillBot grammar check can help you with this.
Examples: Labor or labour in a sentenceA week’s labor/labour should be enough to finish up the renovation.
Maddie knew she was in labor/labour when the contractions began to speed up.
Cleo and I labored/laboured to fix the broken wall.
Stop laboring/labouring the point! You’re driving me crazy!
Labor or labour is often preceded by an adjective (e.g., “manual labor/labour,” “hard labor/labour”).
Published on
July 1, 2024
by
Julia Merkus, MA
Revised on
May 1, 2025
Favour and favor are two ways of spelling the noun used to refer to an act of kindness or to mean “approval.” It can also be used as a verb to mean “prefer.” The spelling depends on the type of English you use.
In British English, “favour” is standard.
In American English, “favor” is correct.
It’s important to choose one type of English and use it consistently. The QuillBot Grammar Checker can help you with this.
Examples: Favour or favor in a sentenceSarah asked her friend for a favour/favor, hoping he would have some good advice.
My manager seems to favour/favor innovative projects that impact the organization.
The politician promised to work in the public’s favour/favor.
