Template:Use American English

1. Template:Use American English

Template:Use American English is a user-facing meta-template designed for Wikipedia and other wikis running MediaWiki software, primarily aimed at notifying editors that a particular article, or section of an article, is intentionally written in American English (AmE). It serves as a signal to maintain consistency and avoid unintended edits that might introduce British English (BrE), Canadian English (CanE), or other variations. This article details the purpose, usage, customization, and related considerations of this template for both novice and experienced wiki contributors. This article will cover the importance of style guides, common AmE/BrE differences, and best practices for using the template effectively.

Purpose and Rationale

The English language is notoriously diverse, with significant variations in spelling, grammar, vocabulary, and punctuation across different regions. While Wikipedia strives for a neutral point of view, consistency in style is crucial for readability and maintaining a professional appearance. The "Use American English" template explicitly states the chosen variety of English for a given article. This is particularly important in areas where multiple editors from different geographical locations may contribute.

Without such a marker, disagreements over stylistic choices – whether to use "color" or "colour," "analyze" or "analyse," "center" or "centre" – can lead to edit wars and wasted effort. The template avoids these conflicts by pre-emptively establishing a stylistic baseline. It's a polite, yet firm, indication to editors: "This article uses American English; please adhere to these conventions when making edits."

The use of this template doesn’t imply that American English is *superior* to other varieties; it simply indicates that it’s the chosen standard for that specific article. Many articles may adopt BrE or other standards, and corresponding templates exist for those cases (e.g., Template:Use British English). The key is consistency *within* the article.

How to Use the Template

The template is relatively simple to use. It's typically placed on the article's Talk page, not within the article content itself. This is because it's a meta-template—information *about* the article's style, rather than part of the article's content.

The basic syntax is:

```wiki

1. Template:Use American English

Template:Use American English is a user-facing meta-template designed for Wikipedia and other wikis running MediaWiki software, primarily aimed at notifying editors that a particular article, or section of an article, is intentionally written in American English (AmE). It serves as a signal to maintain consistency and avoid unintended edits that might introduce British English (BrE), Canadian English (CanE), or other variations. This article details the purpose, usage, customization, and related considerations of this template for both novice and experienced wiki contributors. This article will cover the importance of style guides, common AmE/BrE differences, and best practices for using the template effectively.

Purpose and Rationale

The English language is notoriously diverse, with significant variations in spelling, grammar, vocabulary, and punctuation across different regions. While Wikipedia strives for a neutral point of view, consistency in style is crucial for readability and maintaining a professional appearance. The "Use American English" template explicitly states the chosen variety of English for a given article. This is particularly important in areas where multiple editors from different geographical locations may contribute.

Without such a marker, disagreements over stylistic choices – whether to use "color" or "colour," "analyze" or "analyse," "center" or "centre" – can lead to edit wars and wasted effort. The template avoids these conflicts by pre-emptively establishing a stylistic baseline. It's a polite, yet firm, indication to editors: "This article uses American English; please adhere to these conventions when making edits."

The use of this template doesn’t imply that American English is *superior* to other varieties; it simply indicates that it’s the chosen standard for that specific article. Many articles may adopt BrE or other standards, and corresponding templates exist for those cases (e.g., Template:Use British English). The key is consistency *within* the article.

How to Use the Template

The template is relatively simple to use. It's typically placed on the article's Talk page, not within the article content itself. This is because it's a meta-template—information *about* the article's style, rather than part of the article's content.

The basic syntax is:

```wiki ```

This will display a standard message at the top of the talk page, typically reading:

“This article is written in American English, which is the preferred style for this article. Please be aware of this when making edits.”

You can also add optional parameters to customize the message.

• `article`: Specifies the article to which the template applies. This is useful when discussing style on a talk page that covers multiple articles. Example: ``
• `discussion`: If set to "yes," the template displays a message suitable for a discussion about style, rather than a general notice. Example: ``
• `comment`: Allows you to add a specific comment regarding the style choice. This is useful for explaining why AmE was chosen (e.g., because the article's subject matter is primarily American). Example: ``
• `category`: Suppresses the automatic categorization of the talk page. Rarely needed. Example: ``

A more complex example:

```wiki ```

This would display a message on the talk page tailored for a discussion, referencing the article "Stock Market Analysis" and providing a reason for using AmE.

Common AmE/BrE Differences

Understanding the key differences between American and British English is crucial when using this template. Here's a breakdown of some common areas where variations occur:

• **Spelling:** This is perhaps the most noticeable difference.

   *   '-or' vs. '-our':  *color* (AmE) vs. *colour* (BrE), *honor* (AmE) vs. *honour* (BrE), *flavor* (AmE) vs. *flavour* (BrE)
   *   '-er' vs. '-re': *center* (AmE) vs. *centre* (BrE), *theater* (AmE) vs. *theatre* (BrE)
   *   '-ize' vs. '-ise': *realize* (AmE) vs. *realise* (BrE) (Note: '-ize' endings are becoming increasingly accepted in BrE, but '-ise' remains more common.)
   *   Doubling of consonants: *traveling* (AmE) vs. *travelling* (BrE), *canceled* (AmE) vs. *cancelled* (BrE)

• **Vocabulary:** Many words have different meanings or different equivalents in AmE and BrE.

   *   *Elevator* (AmE) vs. *Lift* (BrE)
   *   *Truck* (AmE) vs. *Lorry* (BrE)
   *   *Apartment* (AmE) vs. *Flat* (BrE)
   *   *Gasoline* (AmE) vs. *Petrol* (BrE)
   *   *Cookie* (AmE) vs. *Biscuit* (BrE)

• **Grammar:** Some grammatical constructions differ.

   *   Collective nouns: In BrE, collective nouns (e.g., *team*, *government*) can take either singular or plural verbs, depending on whether the emphasis is on the group as a whole or the individual members. In AmE, they usually take singular verbs.  (e.g., "The team *is* playing well." vs. "The team *are* playing well.")
   *   Past tense of *get*:  *Gotten* (AmE) is often used as the past participle of *get*, while *got* is more common in BrE.
   *   Use of *shall*: *Shall* is less common in AmE, where *will* is generally used for all persons.

• **Punctuation:** While generally similar, there are some differences in the use of quotation marks and punctuation with dates.

Resources like the Oxford English Dictionary and Merriam-Webster are invaluable for resolving these differences. Understanding these nuances is key to maintaining consistency within an article marked with the “Use American English” template.

Related Templates and Conventions

Several other templates and conventions complement the “Use American English” template:

• **Template:Use British English:** The counterpart for specifying British English.
• **Template:Use Canadian English:** For articles adhering to Canadian English conventions.
• **Template:Style guide:** A more general template for indicating a specific style guide is being followed (e.g., *Chicago Manual of Style*).
• **Wikipedia:Manual of Style:** The overarching style guide for Wikipedia. This document provides detailed guidance on all aspects of writing style.
• **Wikipedia:List of style guides:** A comprehensive list of style guides.
• **MOS:AM:** The section of the Manual of Style specifically addressing American English.
• **MOS:BR:** The section of the Manual of Style specifically addressing British English.

It’s important to follow the relevant sections of the Wikipedia:Manual of Style in conjunction with the template. The template is a marker, but the Manual of Style provides the detailed rules.

Dealing with Style Disputes

Despite the presence of the template, style disputes can still arise. Here’s a recommended approach:

1. **Discuss on the Talk Page:** If you disagree with the chosen style, initiate a discussion on the article's Talk page. 2. **Refer to MOS:AM/BR:** Cite specific sections of the Wikipedia:Manual of Style that support your position. 3. **Seek Consensus:** Attempt to reach a consensus with other editors. 4. **Request Mediation:** If consensus cannot be reached, consider requesting mediation from a neutral third party. 5. **Respect the Established Style:** If the article has consistently used AmE (or BrE) and a clear consensus hasn’t been established to change it, it’s generally best to respect the established style. Repeatedly changing the style against the consensus can be considered disruptive editing.

Remember, the goal is to create a clear, consistent, and readable article. Stylistic choices are secondary to content accuracy and neutrality.

Advanced Considerations and Technical Details

• **Template Categorization:** The template automatically adds the article's talk page to Category:Articles written in American English. This allows for easy identification of articles using this style.
• **Template Transclusion:** The template is a transcluded template, meaning that its content is inserted directly into the talk page where it is used. This makes it efficient and avoids creating duplicate content.
• **Template Editing:** The template itself can be edited by administrators to modify its appearance or functionality. However, changes should be made carefully to avoid disrupting existing uses.
• **Bot Assistance:** Bots can be used to automatically identify and tag articles that are predominantly written in American English, even if the template hasn't been explicitly added. However, this should be done with caution to avoid false positives.
• **Technical Analysis Tools:** Utilizing tools like Diffchecker can help identify stylistic inconsistencies introduced during editing.
• **Trend Identification:** Analyzing edit histories can reveal patterns of stylistic changes, helping to maintain consistency.
• **Indicator Monitoring:** Tracking the use of AmE/BrE spellings across an article can serve as an indicator of potential style drift.
• **Strategy Implementation:** A clear strategy for handling style disputes is essential for maintaining a collaborative editing environment.
• **Risk Management:** Be aware of the potential for edit wars and have a plan for resolving them.
• **Volatility Assessment:** Monitor articles prone to stylistic disagreements for increased editing activity.
• **Portfolio Diversification:** Contribute to articles using different English varieties to broaden your editing experience.
• **Fundamental Analysis:** Understand the underlying reasons for choosing a particular English variety.
• **Technical Indicators:** Use tools to identify common AmE/BrE errors.
• **Market Sentiment:** Gauge the community's preference for a particular style.
• **Long-Term Investing:** Focus on maintaining consistent style over time.
• **Short-Term Trading:** Address immediate stylistic inconsistencies.
• **Swing Trading:** Identify and correct stylistic errors during periods of high editing activity.
• **Day Trading:** Quickly address minor stylistic issues.
• **Scalping:** Fine-tune stylistic details.
• **Arbitrage:** Resolve inconsistencies between different sections of an article.
• **Hedging:** Protect against stylistic changes by documenting the chosen style.
• **Leverage:** Use templates to efficiently enforce stylistic consistency.
• **Margin Trading:** Be cautious when making significant stylistic changes.
• **Stop-Loss Orders:** Implement safeguards to prevent unwanted stylistic edits.
• **Take-Profit Orders:** Celebrate successful stylistic improvements.
• **Diversification:** Contribute to a variety of articles to avoid overexposure to a single style.
• **Time Horizon:** Consider the long-term implications of stylistic choices.
• **Risk Tolerance:** Be prepared to defend your stylistic preferences.

See Also

• Wikipedia:Manual of Style
• Wikipedia:List of style guides
• Template:Use British English
• Template:Use Canadian English
• MOS:AM
• MOS:BR
• Wikipedia:Dispute resolution
• Wikipedia:Edit warring
• Wikipedia:Consensus
• Wikipedia:Talk pages

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This will display a standard message at the top of the talk page, typically reading:

“This article is written in American English, which is the preferred style for this article. Please be aware of this when making edits.”

You can also add optional parameters to customize the message.

• `article`: Specifies the article to which the template applies. This is useful when discussing style on a talk page that covers multiple articles. Example: `

1. Template:Use American English

Template:Use American English is a user-facing meta-template designed for Wikipedia and other wikis running MediaWiki software, primarily aimed at notifying editors that a particular article, or section of an article, is intentionally written in American English (AmE). It serves as a signal to maintain consistency and avoid unintended edits that might introduce British English (BrE), Canadian English (CanE), or other variations. This article details the purpose, usage, customization, and related considerations of this template for both novice and experienced wiki contributors. This article will cover the importance of style guides, common AmE/BrE differences, and best practices for using the template effectively.

Purpose and Rationale

The English language is notoriously diverse, with significant variations in spelling, grammar, vocabulary, and punctuation across different regions. While Wikipedia strives for a neutral point of view, consistency in style is crucial for readability and maintaining a professional appearance. The "Use American English" template explicitly states the chosen variety of English for a given article. This is particularly important in areas where multiple editors from different geographical locations may contribute.

Without such a marker, disagreements over stylistic choices – whether to use "color" or "colour," "analyze" or "analyse," "center" or "centre" – can lead to edit wars and wasted effort. The template avoids these conflicts by pre-emptively establishing a stylistic baseline. It's a polite, yet firm, indication to editors: "This article uses American English; please adhere to these conventions when making edits."

The use of this template doesn’t imply that American English is *superior* to other varieties; it simply indicates that it’s the chosen standard for that specific article. Many articles may adopt BrE or other standards, and corresponding templates exist for those cases (e.g., Template:Use British English). The key is consistency *within* the article.

How to Use the Template

The template is relatively simple to use. It's typically placed on the article's Talk page, not within the article content itself. This is because it's a meta-template—information *about* the article's style, rather than part of the article's content.

The basic syntax is:

```wiki ```

This will display a standard message at the top of the talk page, typically reading:

“This article is written in American English, which is the preferred style for this article. Please be aware of this when making edits.”

You can also add optional parameters to customize the message.

• `article`: Specifies the article to which the template applies. This is useful when discussing style on a talk page that covers multiple articles. Example: ``
• `discussion`: If set to "yes," the template displays a message suitable for a discussion about style, rather than a general notice. Example: ``
• `comment`: Allows you to add a specific comment regarding the style choice. This is useful for explaining why AmE was chosen (e.g., because the article's subject matter is primarily American). Example: ``
• `category`: Suppresses the automatic categorization of the talk page. Rarely needed. Example: ``

A more complex example:

```wiki ```

This would display a message on the talk page tailored for a discussion, referencing the article "Stock Market Analysis" and providing a reason for using AmE.

Common AmE/BrE Differences

Understanding the key differences between American and British English is crucial when using this template. Here's a breakdown of some common areas where variations occur:

• **Spelling:** This is perhaps the most noticeable difference.

   *   '-or' vs. '-our':  *color* (AmE) vs. *colour* (BrE), *honor* (AmE) vs. *honour* (BrE), *flavor* (AmE) vs. *flavour* (BrE)
   *   '-er' vs. '-re': *center* (AmE) vs. *centre* (BrE), *theater* (AmE) vs. *theatre* (BrE)
   *   '-ize' vs. '-ise': *realize* (AmE) vs. *realise* (BrE) (Note: '-ize' endings are becoming increasingly accepted in BrE, but '-ise' remains more common.)
   *   Doubling of consonants: *traveling* (AmE) vs. *travelling* (BrE), *canceled* (AmE) vs. *cancelled* (BrE)

• **Vocabulary:** Many words have different meanings or different equivalents in AmE and BrE.

   *   *Elevator* (AmE) vs. *Lift* (BrE)
   *   *Truck* (AmE) vs. *Lorry* (BrE)
   *   *Apartment* (AmE) vs. *Flat* (BrE)
   *   *Gasoline* (AmE) vs. *Petrol* (BrE)
   *   *Cookie* (AmE) vs. *Biscuit* (BrE)

• **Grammar:** Some grammatical constructions differ.

   *   Collective nouns: In BrE, collective nouns (e.g., *team*, *government*) can take either singular or plural verbs, depending on whether the emphasis is on the group as a whole or the individual members. In AmE, they usually take singular verbs.  (e.g., "The team *is* playing well." vs. "The team *are* playing well.")
   *   Past tense of *get*:  *Gotten* (AmE) is often used as the past participle of *get*, while *got* is more common in BrE.
   *   Use of *shall*: *Shall* is less common in AmE, where *will* is generally used for all persons.

• **Punctuation:** While generally similar, there are some differences in the use of quotation marks and punctuation with dates.

Resources like the Oxford English Dictionary and Merriam-Webster are invaluable for resolving these differences. Understanding these nuances is key to maintaining consistency within an article marked with the “Use American English” template.

Related Templates and Conventions

Several other templates and conventions complement the “Use American English” template:

• **Template:Use British English:** The counterpart for specifying British English.
• **Template:Use Canadian English:** For articles adhering to Canadian English conventions.
• **Template:Style guide:** A more general template for indicating a specific style guide is being followed (e.g., *Chicago Manual of Style*).
• **Wikipedia:Manual of Style:** The overarching style guide for Wikipedia. This document provides detailed guidance on all aspects of writing style.
• **Wikipedia:List of style guides:** A comprehensive list of style guides.
• **MOS:AM:** The section of the Manual of Style specifically addressing American English.
• **MOS:BR:** The section of the Manual of Style specifically addressing British English.

It’s important to follow the relevant sections of the Wikipedia:Manual of Style in conjunction with the template. The template is a marker, but the Manual of Style provides the detailed rules.

Dealing with Style Disputes

Despite the presence of the template, style disputes can still arise. Here’s a recommended approach:

1. **Discuss on the Talk Page:** If you disagree with the chosen style, initiate a discussion on the article's Talk page. 2. **Refer to MOS:AM/BR:** Cite specific sections of the Wikipedia:Manual of Style that support your position. 3. **Seek Consensus:** Attempt to reach a consensus with other editors. 4. **Request Mediation:** If consensus cannot be reached, consider requesting mediation from a neutral third party. 5. **Respect the Established Style:** If the article has consistently used AmE (or BrE) and a clear consensus hasn’t been established to change it, it’s generally best to respect the established style. Repeatedly changing the style against the consensus can be considered disruptive editing.

Remember, the goal is to create a clear, consistent, and readable article. Stylistic choices are secondary to content accuracy and neutrality.

Advanced Considerations and Technical Details

• **Template Categorization:** The template automatically adds the article's talk page to Category:Articles written in American English. This allows for easy identification of articles using this style.
• **Template Transclusion:** The template is a transcluded template, meaning that its content is inserted directly into the talk page where it is used. This makes it efficient and avoids creating duplicate content.
• **Template Editing:** The template itself can be edited by administrators to modify its appearance or functionality. However, changes should be made carefully to avoid disrupting existing uses.
• **Bot Assistance:** Bots can be used to automatically identify and tag articles that are predominantly written in American English, even if the template hasn't been explicitly added. However, this should be done with caution to avoid false positives.
• **Technical Analysis Tools:** Utilizing tools like Diffchecker can help identify stylistic inconsistencies introduced during editing.
• **Trend Identification:** Analyzing edit histories can reveal patterns of stylistic changes, helping to maintain consistency.
• **Indicator Monitoring:** Tracking the use of AmE/BrE spellings across an article can serve as an indicator of potential style drift.
• **Strategy Implementation:** A clear strategy for handling style disputes is essential for maintaining a collaborative editing environment.
• **Risk Management:** Be aware of the potential for edit wars and have a plan for resolving them.
• **Volatility Assessment:** Monitor articles prone to stylistic disagreements for increased editing activity.
• **Portfolio Diversification:** Contribute to articles using different English varieties to broaden your editing experience.
• **Fundamental Analysis:** Understand the underlying reasons for choosing a particular English variety.
• **Technical Indicators:** Use tools to identify common AmE/BrE errors.
• **Market Sentiment:** Gauge the community's preference for a particular style.
• **Long-Term Investing:** Focus on maintaining consistent style over time.
• **Short-Term Trading:** Address immediate stylistic inconsistencies.
• **Swing Trading:** Identify and correct stylistic errors during periods of high editing activity.
• **Day Trading:** Quickly address minor stylistic issues.
• **Scalping:** Fine-tune stylistic details.
• **Arbitrage:** Resolve inconsistencies between different sections of an article.
• **Hedging:** Protect against stylistic changes by documenting the chosen style.
• **Leverage:** Use templates to efficiently enforce stylistic consistency.
• **Margin Trading:** Be cautious when making significant stylistic changes.
• **Stop-Loss Orders:** Implement safeguards to prevent unwanted stylistic edits.
• **Take-Profit Orders:** Celebrate successful stylistic improvements.
• **Diversification:** Contribute to a variety of articles to avoid overexposure to a single style.
• **Time Horizon:** Consider the long-term implications of stylistic choices.
• **Risk Tolerance:** Be prepared to defend your stylistic preferences.

See Also

• Wikipedia:Manual of Style
• Wikipedia:List of style guides
• Template:Use British English
• Template:Use Canadian English
• MOS:AM
• MOS:BR
• Wikipedia:Dispute resolution
• Wikipedia:Edit warring
• Wikipedia:Consensus
• Wikipedia:Talk pages

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• `discussion`: If set to "yes," the template displays a message suitable for a discussion about style, rather than a general notice. Example: `

1. Template:Use American English

Template:Use American English is a user-facing meta-template designed for Wikipedia and other wikis running MediaWiki software, primarily aimed at notifying editors that a particular article, or section of an article, is intentionally written in American English (AmE). It serves as a signal to maintain consistency and avoid unintended edits that might introduce British English (BrE), Canadian English (CanE), or other variations. This article details the purpose, usage, customization, and related considerations of this template for both novice and experienced wiki contributors. This article will cover the importance of style guides, common AmE/BrE differences, and best practices for using the template effectively.

Purpose and Rationale

The English language is notoriously diverse, with significant variations in spelling, grammar, vocabulary, and punctuation across different regions. While Wikipedia strives for a neutral point of view, consistency in style is crucial for readability and maintaining a professional appearance. The "Use American English" template explicitly states the chosen variety of English for a given article. This is particularly important in areas where multiple editors from different geographical locations may contribute.

Without such a marker, disagreements over stylistic choices – whether to use "color" or "colour," "analyze" or "analyse," "center" or "centre" – can lead to edit wars and wasted effort. The template avoids these conflicts by pre-emptively establishing a stylistic baseline. It's a polite, yet firm, indication to editors: "This article uses American English; please adhere to these conventions when making edits."

The use of this template doesn’t imply that American English is *superior* to other varieties; it simply indicates that it’s the chosen standard for that specific article. Many articles may adopt BrE or other standards, and corresponding templates exist for those cases (e.g., Template:Use British English). The key is consistency *within* the article.

How to Use the Template

The template is relatively simple to use. It's typically placed on the article's Talk page, not within the article content itself. This is because it's a meta-template—information *about* the article's style, rather than part of the article's content.

The basic syntax is:

```wiki ```

This will display a standard message at the top of the talk page, typically reading:

“This article is written in American English, which is the preferred style for this article. Please be aware of this when making edits.”

You can also add optional parameters to customize the message.

• `article`: Specifies the article to which the template applies. This is useful when discussing style on a talk page that covers multiple articles. Example: ``
• `discussion`: If set to "yes," the template displays a message suitable for a discussion about style, rather than a general notice. Example: ``
• `comment`: Allows you to add a specific comment regarding the style choice. This is useful for explaining why AmE was chosen (e.g., because the article's subject matter is primarily American). Example: ``
• `category`: Suppresses the automatic categorization of the talk page. Rarely needed. Example: ``

A more complex example:

```wiki ```

This would display a message on the talk page tailored for a discussion, referencing the article "Stock Market Analysis" and providing a reason for using AmE.

Common AmE/BrE Differences

Understanding the key differences between American and British English is crucial when using this template. Here's a breakdown of some common areas where variations occur:

• **Spelling:** This is perhaps the most noticeable difference.

   *   '-or' vs. '-our':  *color* (AmE) vs. *colour* (BrE), *honor* (AmE) vs. *honour* (BrE), *flavor* (AmE) vs. *flavour* (BrE)
   *   '-er' vs. '-re': *center* (AmE) vs. *centre* (BrE), *theater* (AmE) vs. *theatre* (BrE)
   *   '-ize' vs. '-ise': *realize* (AmE) vs. *realise* (BrE) (Note: '-ize' endings are becoming increasingly accepted in BrE, but '-ise' remains more common.)
   *   Doubling of consonants: *traveling* (AmE) vs. *travelling* (BrE), *canceled* (AmE) vs. *cancelled* (BrE)

• **Vocabulary:** Many words have different meanings or different equivalents in AmE and BrE.

   *   *Elevator* (AmE) vs. *Lift* (BrE)
   *   *Truck* (AmE) vs. *Lorry* (BrE)
   *   *Apartment* (AmE) vs. *Flat* (BrE)
   *   *Gasoline* (AmE) vs. *Petrol* (BrE)
   *   *Cookie* (AmE) vs. *Biscuit* (BrE)

• **Grammar:** Some grammatical constructions differ.

   *   Collective nouns: In BrE, collective nouns (e.g., *team*, *government*) can take either singular or plural verbs, depending on whether the emphasis is on the group as a whole or the individual members. In AmE, they usually take singular verbs.  (e.g., "The team *is* playing well." vs. "The team *are* playing well.")
   *   Past tense of *get*:  *Gotten* (AmE) is often used as the past participle of *get*, while *got* is more common in BrE.
   *   Use of *shall*: *Shall* is less common in AmE, where *will* is generally used for all persons.

• **Punctuation:** While generally similar, there are some differences in the use of quotation marks and punctuation with dates.

Resources like the Oxford English Dictionary and Merriam-Webster are invaluable for resolving these differences. Understanding these nuances is key to maintaining consistency within an article marked with the “Use American English” template.

Related Templates and Conventions

Several other templates and conventions complement the “Use American English” template:

• **Template:Use British English:** The counterpart for specifying British English.
• **Template:Use Canadian English:** For articles adhering to Canadian English conventions.
• **Template:Style guide:** A more general template for indicating a specific style guide is being followed (e.g., *Chicago Manual of Style*).
• **Wikipedia:Manual of Style:** The overarching style guide for Wikipedia. This document provides detailed guidance on all aspects of writing style.
• **Wikipedia:List of style guides:** A comprehensive list of style guides.
• **MOS:AM:** The section of the Manual of Style specifically addressing American English.
• **MOS:BR:** The section of the Manual of Style specifically addressing British English.

It’s important to follow the relevant sections of the Wikipedia:Manual of Style in conjunction with the template. The template is a marker, but the Manual of Style provides the detailed rules.

Dealing with Style Disputes

Despite the presence of the template, style disputes can still arise. Here’s a recommended approach:

1. **Discuss on the Talk Page:** If you disagree with the chosen style, initiate a discussion on the article's Talk page. 2. **Refer to MOS:AM/BR:** Cite specific sections of the Wikipedia:Manual of Style that support your position. 3. **Seek Consensus:** Attempt to reach a consensus with other editors. 4. **Request Mediation:** If consensus cannot be reached, consider requesting mediation from a neutral third party. 5. **Respect the Established Style:** If the article has consistently used AmE (or BrE) and a clear consensus hasn’t been established to change it, it’s generally best to respect the established style. Repeatedly changing the style against the consensus can be considered disruptive editing.

Remember, the goal is to create a clear, consistent, and readable article. Stylistic choices are secondary to content accuracy and neutrality.

Advanced Considerations and Technical Details

• **Template Categorization:** The template automatically adds the article's talk page to Category:Articles written in American English. This allows for easy identification of articles using this style.
• **Template Transclusion:** The template is a transcluded template, meaning that its content is inserted directly into the talk page where it is used. This makes it efficient and avoids creating duplicate content.
• **Template Editing:** The template itself can be edited by administrators to modify its appearance or functionality. However, changes should be made carefully to avoid disrupting existing uses.
• **Bot Assistance:** Bots can be used to automatically identify and tag articles that are predominantly written in American English, even if the template hasn't been explicitly added. However, this should be done with caution to avoid false positives.
• **Technical Analysis Tools:** Utilizing tools like Diffchecker can help identify stylistic inconsistencies introduced during editing.
• **Trend Identification:** Analyzing edit histories can reveal patterns of stylistic changes, helping to maintain consistency.
• **Indicator Monitoring:** Tracking the use of AmE/BrE spellings across an article can serve as an indicator of potential style drift.
• **Strategy Implementation:** A clear strategy for handling style disputes is essential for maintaining a collaborative editing environment.
• **Risk Management:** Be aware of the potential for edit wars and have a plan for resolving them.
• **Volatility Assessment:** Monitor articles prone to stylistic disagreements for increased editing activity.
• **Portfolio Diversification:** Contribute to articles using different English varieties to broaden your editing experience.
• **Fundamental Analysis:** Understand the underlying reasons for choosing a particular English variety.
• **Technical Indicators:** Use tools to identify common AmE/BrE errors.
• **Market Sentiment:** Gauge the community's preference for a particular style.
• **Long-Term Investing:** Focus on maintaining consistent style over time.
• **Short-Term Trading:** Address immediate stylistic inconsistencies.
• **Swing Trading:** Identify and correct stylistic errors during periods of high editing activity.
• **Day Trading:** Quickly address minor stylistic issues.
• **Scalping:** Fine-tune stylistic details.
• **Arbitrage:** Resolve inconsistencies between different sections of an article.
• **Hedging:** Protect against stylistic changes by documenting the chosen style.
• **Leverage:** Use templates to efficiently enforce stylistic consistency.
• **Margin Trading:** Be cautious when making significant stylistic changes.
• **Stop-Loss Orders:** Implement safeguards to prevent unwanted stylistic edits.
• **Take-Profit Orders:** Celebrate successful stylistic improvements.
• **Diversification:** Contribute to a variety of articles to avoid overexposure to a single style.
• **Time Horizon:** Consider the long-term implications of stylistic choices.
• **Risk Tolerance:** Be prepared to defend your stylistic preferences.

See Also

• Wikipedia:Manual of Style
• Wikipedia:List of style guides
• Template:Use British English
• Template:Use Canadian English
• MOS:AM
• MOS:BR
• Wikipedia:Dispute resolution
• Wikipedia:Edit warring
• Wikipedia:Consensus
• Wikipedia:Talk pages

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• `comment`: Allows you to add a specific comment regarding the style choice. This is useful for explaining why AmE was chosen (e.g., because the article's subject matter is primarily American). Example: `

1. Template:Use American English

Template:Use American English is a user-facing meta-template designed for Wikipedia and other wikis running MediaWiki software, primarily aimed at notifying editors that a particular article, or section of an article, is intentionally written in American English (AmE). It serves as a signal to maintain consistency and avoid unintended edits that might introduce British English (BrE), Canadian English (CanE), or other variations. This article details the purpose, usage, customization, and related considerations of this template for both novice and experienced wiki contributors. This article will cover the importance of style guides, common AmE/BrE differences, and best practices for using the template effectively.

Purpose and Rationale

The English language is notoriously diverse, with significant variations in spelling, grammar, vocabulary, and punctuation across different regions. While Wikipedia strives for a neutral point of view, consistency in style is crucial for readability and maintaining a professional appearance. The "Use American English" template explicitly states the chosen variety of English for a given article. This is particularly important in areas where multiple editors from different geographical locations may contribute.

Without such a marker, disagreements over stylistic choices – whether to use "color" or "colour," "analyze" or "analyse," "center" or "centre" – can lead to edit wars and wasted effort. The template avoids these conflicts by pre-emptively establishing a stylistic baseline. It's a polite, yet firm, indication to editors: "This article uses American English; please adhere to these conventions when making edits."

The use of this template doesn’t imply that American English is *superior* to other varieties; it simply indicates that it’s the chosen standard for that specific article. Many articles may adopt BrE or other standards, and corresponding templates exist for those cases (e.g., Template:Use British English). The key is consistency *within* the article.

How to Use the Template

The template is relatively simple to use. It's typically placed on the article's Talk page, not within the article content itself. This is because it's a meta-template—information *about* the article's style, rather than part of the article's content.

The basic syntax is:

```wiki ```

This will display a standard message at the top of the talk page, typically reading:

“This article is written in American English, which is the preferred style for this article. Please be aware of this when making edits.”

You can also add optional parameters to customize the message.

• `article`: Specifies the article to which the template applies. This is useful when discussing style on a talk page that covers multiple articles. Example: ``
• `discussion`: If set to "yes," the template displays a message suitable for a discussion about style, rather than a general notice. Example: ``
• `comment`: Allows you to add a specific comment regarding the style choice. This is useful for explaining why AmE was chosen (e.g., because the article's subject matter is primarily American). Example: ``
• `category`: Suppresses the automatic categorization of the talk page. Rarely needed. Example: ``

A more complex example:

```wiki ```

This would display a message on the talk page tailored for a discussion, referencing the article "Stock Market Analysis" and providing a reason for using AmE.

Common AmE/BrE Differences

Understanding the key differences between American and British English is crucial when using this template. Here's a breakdown of some common areas where variations occur:

• **Spelling:** This is perhaps the most noticeable difference.

   *   '-or' vs. '-our':  *color* (AmE) vs. *colour* (BrE), *honor* (AmE) vs. *honour* (BrE), *flavor* (AmE) vs. *flavour* (BrE)
   *   '-er' vs. '-re': *center* (AmE) vs. *centre* (BrE), *theater* (AmE) vs. *theatre* (BrE)
   *   '-ize' vs. '-ise': *realize* (AmE) vs. *realise* (BrE) (Note: '-ize' endings are becoming increasingly accepted in BrE, but '-ise' remains more common.)
   *   Doubling of consonants: *traveling* (AmE) vs. *travelling* (BrE), *canceled* (AmE) vs. *cancelled* (BrE)

• **Vocabulary:** Many words have different meanings or different equivalents in AmE and BrE.

   *   *Elevator* (AmE) vs. *Lift* (BrE)
   *   *Truck* (AmE) vs. *Lorry* (BrE)
   *   *Apartment* (AmE) vs. *Flat* (BrE)
   *   *Gasoline* (AmE) vs. *Petrol* (BrE)
   *   *Cookie* (AmE) vs. *Biscuit* (BrE)

• **Grammar:** Some grammatical constructions differ.

   *   Collective nouns: In BrE, collective nouns (e.g., *team*, *government*) can take either singular or plural verbs, depending on whether the emphasis is on the group as a whole or the individual members. In AmE, they usually take singular verbs.  (e.g., "The team *is* playing well." vs. "The team *are* playing well.")
   *   Past tense of *get*:  *Gotten* (AmE) is often used as the past participle of *get*, while *got* is more common in BrE.
   *   Use of *shall*: *Shall* is less common in AmE, where *will* is generally used for all persons.

• **Punctuation:** While generally similar, there are some differences in the use of quotation marks and punctuation with dates.

Resources like the Oxford English Dictionary and Merriam-Webster are invaluable for resolving these differences. Understanding these nuances is key to maintaining consistency within an article marked with the “Use American English” template.

Related Templates and Conventions

Several other templates and conventions complement the “Use American English” template:

• **Template:Use British English:** The counterpart for specifying British English.
• **Template:Use Canadian English:** For articles adhering to Canadian English conventions.
• **Template:Style guide:** A more general template for indicating a specific style guide is being followed (e.g., *Chicago Manual of Style*).
• **Wikipedia:Manual of Style:** The overarching style guide for Wikipedia. This document provides detailed guidance on all aspects of writing style.
• **Wikipedia:List of style guides:** A comprehensive list of style guides.
• **MOS:AM:** The section of the Manual of Style specifically addressing American English.
• **MOS:BR:** The section of the Manual of Style specifically addressing British English.

It’s important to follow the relevant sections of the Wikipedia:Manual of Style in conjunction with the template. The template is a marker, but the Manual of Style provides the detailed rules.

Dealing with Style Disputes

Despite the presence of the template, style disputes can still arise. Here’s a recommended approach:

1. **Discuss on the Talk Page:** If you disagree with the chosen style, initiate a discussion on the article's Talk page. 2. **Refer to MOS:AM/BR:** Cite specific sections of the Wikipedia:Manual of Style that support your position. 3. **Seek Consensus:** Attempt to reach a consensus with other editors. 4. **Request Mediation:** If consensus cannot be reached, consider requesting mediation from a neutral third party. 5. **Respect the Established Style:** If the article has consistently used AmE (or BrE) and a clear consensus hasn’t been established to change it, it’s generally best to respect the established style. Repeatedly changing the style against the consensus can be considered disruptive editing.

Remember, the goal is to create a clear, consistent, and readable article. Stylistic choices are secondary to content accuracy and neutrality.

Advanced Considerations and Technical Details

• **Template Categorization:** The template automatically adds the article's talk page to Category:Articles written in American English. This allows for easy identification of articles using this style.
• **Template Transclusion:** The template is a transcluded template, meaning that its content is inserted directly into the talk page where it is used. This makes it efficient and avoids creating duplicate content.
• **Template Editing:** The template itself can be edited by administrators to modify its appearance or functionality. However, changes should be made carefully to avoid disrupting existing uses.
• **Bot Assistance:** Bots can be used to automatically identify and tag articles that are predominantly written in American English, even if the template hasn't been explicitly added. However, this should be done with caution to avoid false positives.
• **Technical Analysis Tools:** Utilizing tools like Diffchecker can help identify stylistic inconsistencies introduced during editing.
• **Trend Identification:** Analyzing edit histories can reveal patterns of stylistic changes, helping to maintain consistency.
• **Indicator Monitoring:** Tracking the use of AmE/BrE spellings across an article can serve as an indicator of potential style drift.
• **Strategy Implementation:** A clear strategy for handling style disputes is essential for maintaining a collaborative editing environment.
• **Risk Management:** Be aware of the potential for edit wars and have a plan for resolving them.
• **Volatility Assessment:** Monitor articles prone to stylistic disagreements for increased editing activity.
• **Portfolio Diversification:** Contribute to articles using different English varieties to broaden your editing experience.
• **Fundamental Analysis:** Understand the underlying reasons for choosing a particular English variety.
• **Technical Indicators:** Use tools to identify common AmE/BrE errors.
• **Market Sentiment:** Gauge the community's preference for a particular style.
• **Long-Term Investing:** Focus on maintaining consistent style over time.
• **Short-Term Trading:** Address immediate stylistic inconsistencies.
• **Swing Trading:** Identify and correct stylistic errors during periods of high editing activity.
• **Day Trading:** Quickly address minor stylistic issues.
• **Scalping:** Fine-tune stylistic details.
• **Arbitrage:** Resolve inconsistencies between different sections of an article.
• **Hedging:** Protect against stylistic changes by documenting the chosen style.
• **Leverage:** Use templates to efficiently enforce stylistic consistency.
• **Margin Trading:** Be cautious when making significant stylistic changes.
• **Stop-Loss Orders:** Implement safeguards to prevent unwanted stylistic edits.
• **Take-Profit Orders:** Celebrate successful stylistic improvements.
• **Diversification:** Contribute to a variety of articles to avoid overexposure to a single style.
• **Time Horizon:** Consider the long-term implications of stylistic choices.
• **Risk Tolerance:** Be prepared to defend your stylistic preferences.

See Also

• Wikipedia:Manual of Style
• Wikipedia:List of style guides
• Template:Use British English
• Template:Use Canadian English
• MOS:AM
• MOS:BR
• Wikipedia:Dispute resolution
• Wikipedia:Edit warring
• Wikipedia:Consensus
• Wikipedia:Talk pages

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• `category`: Suppresses the automatic categorization of the talk page. Rarely needed. Example: `

1. Template:Use American English

Template:Use American English is a user-facing meta-template designed for Wikipedia and other wikis running MediaWiki software, primarily aimed at notifying editors that a particular article, or section of an article, is intentionally written in American English (AmE). It serves as a signal to maintain consistency and avoid unintended edits that might introduce British English (BrE), Canadian English (CanE), or other variations. This article details the purpose, usage, customization, and related considerations of this template for both novice and experienced wiki contributors. This article will cover the importance of style guides, common AmE/BrE differences, and best practices for using the template effectively.

Purpose and Rationale

The English language is notoriously diverse, with significant variations in spelling, grammar, vocabulary, and punctuation across different regions. While Wikipedia strives for a neutral point of view, consistency in style is crucial for readability and maintaining a professional appearance. The "Use American English" template explicitly states the chosen variety of English for a given article. This is particularly important in areas where multiple editors from different geographical locations may contribute.

Without such a marker, disagreements over stylistic choices – whether to use "color" or "colour," "analyze" or "analyse," "center" or "centre" – can lead to edit wars and wasted effort. The template avoids these conflicts by pre-emptively establishing a stylistic baseline. It's a polite, yet firm, indication to editors: "This article uses American English; please adhere to these conventions when making edits."

The use of this template doesn’t imply that American English is *superior* to other varieties; it simply indicates that it’s the chosen standard for that specific article. Many articles may adopt BrE or other standards, and corresponding templates exist for those cases (e.g., Template:Use British English). The key is consistency *within* the article.

How to Use the Template

The template is relatively simple to use. It's typically placed on the article's Talk page, not within the article content itself. This is because it's a meta-template—information *about* the article's style, rather than part of the article's content.

The basic syntax is:

```wiki ```

This will display a standard message at the top of the talk page, typically reading:

“This article is written in American English, which is the preferred style for this article. Please be aware of this when making edits.”

You can also add optional parameters to customize the message.

• `article`: Specifies the article to which the template applies. This is useful when discussing style on a talk page that covers multiple articles. Example: ``
• `discussion`: If set to "yes," the template displays a message suitable for a discussion about style, rather than a general notice. Example: ``
• `comment`: Allows you to add a specific comment regarding the style choice. This is useful for explaining why AmE was chosen (e.g., because the article's subject matter is primarily American). Example: ``
• `category`: Suppresses the automatic categorization of the talk page. Rarely needed. Example: ``

A more complex example:

```wiki ```

This would display a message on the talk page tailored for a discussion, referencing the article "Stock Market Analysis" and providing a reason for using AmE.

Common AmE/BrE Differences

Understanding the key differences between American and British English is crucial when using this template. Here's a breakdown of some common areas where variations occur:

• **Spelling:** This is perhaps the most noticeable difference.

   *   '-or' vs. '-our':  *color* (AmE) vs. *colour* (BrE), *honor* (AmE) vs. *honour* (BrE), *flavor* (AmE) vs. *flavour* (BrE)
   *   '-er' vs. '-re': *center* (AmE) vs. *centre* (BrE), *theater* (AmE) vs. *theatre* (BrE)
   *   '-ize' vs. '-ise': *realize* (AmE) vs. *realise* (BrE) (Note: '-ize' endings are becoming increasingly accepted in BrE, but '-ise' remains more common.)
   *   Doubling of consonants: *traveling* (AmE) vs. *travelling* (BrE), *canceled* (AmE) vs. *cancelled* (BrE)

• **Vocabulary:** Many words have different meanings or different equivalents in AmE and BrE.

   *   *Elevator* (AmE) vs. *Lift* (BrE)
   *   *Truck* (AmE) vs. *Lorry* (BrE)
   *   *Apartment* (AmE) vs. *Flat* (BrE)
   *   *Gasoline* (AmE) vs. *Petrol* (BrE)
   *   *Cookie* (AmE) vs. *Biscuit* (BrE)

• **Grammar:** Some grammatical constructions differ.

   *   Collective nouns: In BrE, collective nouns (e.g., *team*, *government*) can take either singular or plural verbs, depending on whether the emphasis is on the group as a whole or the individual members. In AmE, they usually take singular verbs.  (e.g., "The team *is* playing well." vs. "The team *are* playing well.")
   *   Past tense of *get*:  *Gotten* (AmE) is often used as the past participle of *get*, while *got* is more common in BrE.
   *   Use of *shall*: *Shall* is less common in AmE, where *will* is generally used for all persons.

• **Punctuation:** While generally similar, there are some differences in the use of quotation marks and punctuation with dates.

Resources like the Oxford English Dictionary and Merriam-Webster are invaluable for resolving these differences. Understanding these nuances is key to maintaining consistency within an article marked with the “Use American English” template.

Related Templates and Conventions

Several other templates and conventions complement the “Use American English” template:

• **Template:Use British English:** The counterpart for specifying British English.
• **Template:Use Canadian English:** For articles adhering to Canadian English conventions.
• **Template:Style guide:** A more general template for indicating a specific style guide is being followed (e.g., *Chicago Manual of Style*).
• **Wikipedia:Manual of Style:** The overarching style guide for Wikipedia. This document provides detailed guidance on all aspects of writing style.
• **Wikipedia:List of style guides:** A comprehensive list of style guides.
• **MOS:AM:** The section of the Manual of Style specifically addressing American English.
• **MOS:BR:** The section of the Manual of Style specifically addressing British English.

It’s important to follow the relevant sections of the Wikipedia:Manual of Style in conjunction with the template. The template is a marker, but the Manual of Style provides the detailed rules.

Dealing with Style Disputes

Despite the presence of the template, style disputes can still arise. Here’s a recommended approach:

1. **Discuss on the Talk Page:** If you disagree with the chosen style, initiate a discussion on the article's Talk page. 2. **Refer to MOS:AM/BR:** Cite specific sections of the Wikipedia:Manual of Style that support your position. 3. **Seek Consensus:** Attempt to reach a consensus with other editors. 4. **Request Mediation:** If consensus cannot be reached, consider requesting mediation from a neutral third party. 5. **Respect the Established Style:** If the article has consistently used AmE (or BrE) and a clear consensus hasn’t been established to change it, it’s generally best to respect the established style. Repeatedly changing the style against the consensus can be considered disruptive editing.

Remember, the goal is to create a clear, consistent, and readable article. Stylistic choices are secondary to content accuracy and neutrality.

Advanced Considerations and Technical Details

• **Template Categorization:** The template automatically adds the article's talk page to Category:Articles written in American English. This allows for easy identification of articles using this style.
• **Template Transclusion:** The template is a transcluded template, meaning that its content is inserted directly into the talk page where it is used. This makes it efficient and avoids creating duplicate content.
• **Template Editing:** The template itself can be edited by administrators to modify its appearance or functionality. However, changes should be made carefully to avoid disrupting existing uses.
• **Bot Assistance:** Bots can be used to automatically identify and tag articles that are predominantly written in American English, even if the template hasn't been explicitly added. However, this should be done with caution to avoid false positives.
• **Technical Analysis Tools:** Utilizing tools like Diffchecker can help identify stylistic inconsistencies introduced during editing.
• **Trend Identification:** Analyzing edit histories can reveal patterns of stylistic changes, helping to maintain consistency.
• **Indicator Monitoring:** Tracking the use of AmE/BrE spellings across an article can serve as an indicator of potential style drift.
• **Strategy Implementation:** A clear strategy for handling style disputes is essential for maintaining a collaborative editing environment.
• **Risk Management:** Be aware of the potential for edit wars and have a plan for resolving them.
• **Volatility Assessment:** Monitor articles prone to stylistic disagreements for increased editing activity.
• **Portfolio Diversification:** Contribute to articles using different English varieties to broaden your editing experience.
• **Fundamental Analysis:** Understand the underlying reasons for choosing a particular English variety.
• **Technical Indicators:** Use tools to identify common AmE/BrE errors.
• **Market Sentiment:** Gauge the community's preference for a particular style.
• **Long-Term Investing:** Focus on maintaining consistent style over time.
• **Short-Term Trading:** Address immediate stylistic inconsistencies.
• **Swing Trading:** Identify and correct stylistic errors during periods of high editing activity.
• **Day Trading:** Quickly address minor stylistic issues.
• **Scalping:** Fine-tune stylistic details.
• **Arbitrage:** Resolve inconsistencies between different sections of an article.
• **Hedging:** Protect against stylistic changes by documenting the chosen style.
• **Leverage:** Use templates to efficiently enforce stylistic consistency.
• **Margin Trading:** Be cautious when making significant stylistic changes.
• **Stop-Loss Orders:** Implement safeguards to prevent unwanted stylistic edits.
• **Take-Profit Orders:** Celebrate successful stylistic improvements.
• **Diversification:** Contribute to a variety of articles to avoid overexposure to a single style.
• **Time Horizon:** Consider the long-term implications of stylistic choices.
• **Risk Tolerance:** Be prepared to defend your stylistic preferences.

See Also

• Wikipedia:Manual of Style
• Wikipedia:List of style guides
• Template:Use British English
• Template:Use Canadian English
• MOS:AM
• MOS:BR
• Wikipedia:Dispute resolution
• Wikipedia:Edit warring
• Wikipedia:Consensus
• Wikipedia:Talk pages

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A more complex example:

```wiki

1. Template:Use American English

Template:Use American English is a user-facing meta-template designed for Wikipedia and other wikis running MediaWiki software, primarily aimed at notifying editors that a particular article, or section of an article, is intentionally written in American English (AmE). It serves as a signal to maintain consistency and avoid unintended edits that might introduce British English (BrE), Canadian English (CanE), or other variations. This article details the purpose, usage, customization, and related considerations of this template for both novice and experienced wiki contributors. This article will cover the importance of style guides, common AmE/BrE differences, and best practices for using the template effectively.

Purpose and Rationale

The English language is notoriously diverse, with significant variations in spelling, grammar, vocabulary, and punctuation across different regions. While Wikipedia strives for a neutral point of view, consistency in style is crucial for readability and maintaining a professional appearance. The "Use American English" template explicitly states the chosen variety of English for a given article. This is particularly important in areas where multiple editors from different geographical locations may contribute.

Without such a marker, disagreements over stylistic choices – whether to use "color" or "colour," "analyze" or "analyse," "center" or "centre" – can lead to edit wars and wasted effort. The template avoids these conflicts by pre-emptively establishing a stylistic baseline. It's a polite, yet firm, indication to editors: "This article uses American English; please adhere to these conventions when making edits."

The use of this template doesn’t imply that American English is *superior* to other varieties; it simply indicates that it’s the chosen standard for that specific article. Many articles may adopt BrE or other standards, and corresponding templates exist for those cases (e.g., Template:Use British English). The key is consistency *within* the article.

How to Use the Template

The template is relatively simple to use. It's typically placed on the article's Talk page, not within the article content itself. This is because it's a meta-template—information *about* the article's style, rather than part of the article's content.

The basic syntax is:

```wiki ```

This will display a standard message at the top of the talk page, typically reading:

“This article is written in American English, which is the preferred style for this article. Please be aware of this when making edits.”

You can also add optional parameters to customize the message.

• `article`: Specifies the article to which the template applies. This is useful when discussing style on a talk page that covers multiple articles. Example: ``
• `discussion`: If set to "yes," the template displays a message suitable for a discussion about style, rather than a general notice. Example: ``
• `comment`: Allows you to add a specific comment regarding the style choice. This is useful for explaining why AmE was chosen (e.g., because the article's subject matter is primarily American). Example: ``
• `category`: Suppresses the automatic categorization of the talk page. Rarely needed. Example: ``

A more complex example:

```wiki ```

This would display a message on the talk page tailored for a discussion, referencing the article "Stock Market Analysis" and providing a reason for using AmE.

Common AmE/BrE Differences

Understanding the key differences between American and British English is crucial when using this template. Here's a breakdown of some common areas where variations occur:

• **Spelling:** This is perhaps the most noticeable difference.

   *   '-or' vs. '-our':  *color* (AmE) vs. *colour* (BrE), *honor* (AmE) vs. *honour* (BrE), *flavor* (AmE) vs. *flavour* (BrE)
   *   '-er' vs. '-re': *center* (AmE) vs. *centre* (BrE), *theater* (AmE) vs. *theatre* (BrE)
   *   '-ize' vs. '-ise': *realize* (AmE) vs. *realise* (BrE) (Note: '-ize' endings are becoming increasingly accepted in BrE, but '-ise' remains more common.)
   *   Doubling of consonants: *traveling* (AmE) vs. *travelling* (BrE), *canceled* (AmE) vs. *cancelled* (BrE)

• **Vocabulary:** Many words have different meanings or different equivalents in AmE and BrE.

   *   *Elevator* (AmE) vs. *Lift* (BrE)
   *   *Truck* (AmE) vs. *Lorry* (BrE)
   *   *Apartment* (AmE) vs. *Flat* (BrE)
   *   *Gasoline* (AmE) vs. *Petrol* (BrE)
   *   *Cookie* (AmE) vs. *Biscuit* (BrE)

• **Grammar:** Some grammatical constructions differ.

   *   Collective nouns: In BrE, collective nouns (e.g., *team*, *government*) can take either singular or plural verbs, depending on whether the emphasis is on the group as a whole or the individual members. In AmE, they usually take singular verbs.  (e.g., "The team *is* playing well." vs. "The team *are* playing well.")
   *   Past tense of *get*:  *Gotten* (AmE) is often used as the past participle of *get*, while *got* is more common in BrE.
   *   Use of *shall*: *Shall* is less common in AmE, where *will* is generally used for all persons.

• **Punctuation:** While generally similar, there are some differences in the use of quotation marks and punctuation with dates.

Resources like the Oxford English Dictionary and Merriam-Webster are invaluable for resolving these differences. Understanding these nuances is key to maintaining consistency within an article marked with the “Use American English” template.

Related Templates and Conventions

Several other templates and conventions complement the “Use American English” template:

• **Template:Use British English:** The counterpart for specifying British English.
• **Template:Use Canadian English:** For articles adhering to Canadian English conventions.
• **Template:Style guide:** A more general template for indicating a specific style guide is being followed (e.g., *Chicago Manual of Style*).
• **Wikipedia:Manual of Style:** The overarching style guide for Wikipedia. This document provides detailed guidance on all aspects of writing style.
• **Wikipedia:List of style guides:** A comprehensive list of style guides.
• **MOS:AM:** The section of the Manual of Style specifically addressing American English.
• **MOS:BR:** The section of the Manual of Style specifically addressing British English.

It’s important to follow the relevant sections of the Wikipedia:Manual of Style in conjunction with the template. The template is a marker, but the Manual of Style provides the detailed rules.

Dealing with Style Disputes

Despite the presence of the template, style disputes can still arise. Here’s a recommended approach:

1. **Discuss on the Talk Page:** If you disagree with the chosen style, initiate a discussion on the article's Talk page. 2. **Refer to MOS:AM/BR:** Cite specific sections of the Wikipedia:Manual of Style that support your position. 3. **Seek Consensus:** Attempt to reach a consensus with other editors. 4. **Request Mediation:** If consensus cannot be reached, consider requesting mediation from a neutral third party. 5. **Respect the Established Style:** If the article has consistently used AmE (or BrE) and a clear consensus hasn’t been established to change it, it’s generally best to respect the established style. Repeatedly changing the style against the consensus can be considered disruptive editing.

Remember, the goal is to create a clear, consistent, and readable article. Stylistic choices are secondary to content accuracy and neutrality.

Advanced Considerations and Technical Details

• **Template Categorization:** The template automatically adds the article's talk page to Category:Articles written in American English. This allows for easy identification of articles using this style.
• **Template Transclusion:** The template is a transcluded template, meaning that its content is inserted directly into the talk page where it is used. This makes it efficient and avoids creating duplicate content.
• **Template Editing:** The template itself can be edited by administrators to modify its appearance or functionality. However, changes should be made carefully to avoid disrupting existing uses.
• **Bot Assistance:** Bots can be used to automatically identify and tag articles that are predominantly written in American English, even if the template hasn't been explicitly added. However, this should be done with caution to avoid false positives.
• **Technical Analysis Tools:** Utilizing tools like Diffchecker can help identify stylistic inconsistencies introduced during editing.
• **Trend Identification:** Analyzing edit histories can reveal patterns of stylistic changes, helping to maintain consistency.
• **Indicator Monitoring:** Tracking the use of AmE/BrE spellings across an article can serve as an indicator of potential style drift.
• **Strategy Implementation:** A clear strategy for handling style disputes is essential for maintaining a collaborative editing environment.
• **Risk Management:** Be aware of the potential for edit wars and have a plan for resolving them.
• **Volatility Assessment:** Monitor articles prone to stylistic disagreements for increased editing activity.
• **Portfolio Diversification:** Contribute to articles using different English varieties to broaden your editing experience.
• **Fundamental Analysis:** Understand the underlying reasons for choosing a particular English variety.
• **Technical Indicators:** Use tools to identify common AmE/BrE errors.
• **Market Sentiment:** Gauge the community's preference for a particular style.
• **Long-Term Investing:** Focus on maintaining consistent style over time.
• **Short-Term Trading:** Address immediate stylistic inconsistencies.
• **Swing Trading:** Identify and correct stylistic errors during periods of high editing activity.
• **Day Trading:** Quickly address minor stylistic issues.
• **Scalping:** Fine-tune stylistic details.
• **Arbitrage:** Resolve inconsistencies between different sections of an article.
• **Hedging:** Protect against stylistic changes by documenting the chosen style.
• **Leverage:** Use templates to efficiently enforce stylistic consistency.
• **Margin Trading:** Be cautious when making significant stylistic changes.
• **Stop-Loss Orders:** Implement safeguards to prevent unwanted stylistic edits.
• **Take-Profit Orders:** Celebrate successful stylistic improvements.
• **Diversification:** Contribute to a variety of articles to avoid overexposure to a single style.
• **Time Horizon:** Consider the long-term implications of stylistic choices.
• **Risk Tolerance:** Be prepared to defend your stylistic preferences.

See Also

• Wikipedia:Manual of Style
• Wikipedia:List of style guides
• Template:Use British English
• Template:Use Canadian English
• MOS:AM
• MOS:BR
• Wikipedia:Dispute resolution
• Wikipedia:Edit warring
• Wikipedia:Consensus
• Wikipedia:Talk pages

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This would display a message on the talk page tailored for a discussion, referencing the article "Stock Market Analysis" and providing a reason for using AmE.

Common AmE/BrE Differences

Understanding the key differences between American and British English is crucial when using this template. Here's a breakdown of some common areas where variations occur:

• **Spelling:** This is perhaps the most noticeable difference.

   *   '-or' vs. '-our':  *color* (AmE) vs. *colour* (BrE), *honor* (AmE) vs. *honour* (BrE), *flavor* (AmE) vs. *flavour* (BrE)
   *   '-er' vs. '-re': *center* (AmE) vs. *centre* (BrE), *theater* (AmE) vs. *theatre* (BrE)
   *   '-ize' vs. '-ise': *realize* (AmE) vs. *realise* (BrE) (Note: '-ize' endings are becoming increasingly accepted in BrE, but '-ise' remains more common.)
   *   Doubling of consonants: *traveling* (AmE) vs. *travelling* (BrE), *canceled* (AmE) vs. *cancelled* (BrE)

• **Vocabulary:** Many words have different meanings or different equivalents in AmE and BrE.

   *   *Elevator* (AmE) vs. *Lift* (BrE)
   *   *Truck* (AmE) vs. *Lorry* (BrE)
   *   *Apartment* (AmE) vs. *Flat* (BrE)
   *   *Gasoline* (AmE) vs. *Petrol* (BrE)
   *   *Cookie* (AmE) vs. *Biscuit* (BrE)

• **Grammar:** Some grammatical constructions differ.

   *   Collective nouns: In BrE, collective nouns (e.g., *team*, *government*) can take either singular or plural verbs, depending on whether the emphasis is on the group as a whole or the individual members. In AmE, they usually take singular verbs.  (e.g., "The team *is* playing well." vs. "The team *are* playing well.")
   *   Past tense of *get*:  *Gotten* (AmE) is often used as the past participle of *get*, while *got* is more common in BrE.
   *   Use of *shall*: *Shall* is less common in AmE, where *will* is generally used for all persons.

• **Punctuation:** While generally similar, there are some differences in the use of quotation marks and punctuation with dates.

Resources like the Oxford English Dictionary and Merriam-Webster are invaluable for resolving these differences. Understanding these nuances is key to maintaining consistency within an article marked with the “Use American English” template.

Related Templates and Conventions

Several other templates and conventions complement the “Use American English” template:

• **Template:Use British English:** The counterpart for specifying British English.
• **Template:Use Canadian English:** For articles adhering to Canadian English conventions.
• **Template:Style guide:** A more general template for indicating a specific style guide is being followed (e.g., *Chicago Manual of Style*).
• **Wikipedia:Manual of Style:** The overarching style guide for Wikipedia. This document provides detailed guidance on all aspects of writing style.
• **Wikipedia:List of style guides:** A comprehensive list of style guides.
• **MOS:AM:** The section of the Manual of Style specifically addressing American English.
• **MOS:BR:** The section of the Manual of Style specifically addressing British English.

It’s important to follow the relevant sections of the Wikipedia:Manual of Style in conjunction with the template. The template is a marker, but the Manual of Style provides the detailed rules.

Dealing with Style Disputes

Despite the presence of the template, style disputes can still arise. Here’s a recommended approach:

1. **Discuss on the Talk Page:** If you disagree with the chosen style, initiate a discussion on the article's Talk page. 2. **Refer to MOS:AM/BR:** Cite specific sections of the Wikipedia:Manual of Style that support your position. 3. **Seek Consensus:** Attempt to reach a consensus with other editors. 4. **Request Mediation:** If consensus cannot be reached, consider requesting mediation from a neutral third party. 5. **Respect the Established Style:** If the article has consistently used AmE (or BrE) and a clear consensus hasn’t been established to change it, it’s generally best to respect the established style. Repeatedly changing the style against the consensus can be considered disruptive editing.

Remember, the goal is to create a clear, consistent, and readable article. Stylistic choices are secondary to content accuracy and neutrality.

Advanced Considerations and Technical Details

• **Template Categorization:** The template automatically adds the article's talk page to Category:Articles written in American English. This allows for easy identification of articles using this style.
• **Template Transclusion:** The template is a transcluded template, meaning that its content is inserted directly into the talk page where it is used. This makes it efficient and avoids creating duplicate content.
• **Template Editing:** The template itself can be edited by administrators to modify its appearance or functionality. However, changes should be made carefully to avoid disrupting existing uses.
• **Bot Assistance:** Bots can be used to automatically identify and tag articles that are predominantly written in American English, even if the template hasn't been explicitly added. However, this should be done with caution to avoid false positives.
• **Technical Analysis Tools:** Utilizing tools like Diffchecker can help identify stylistic inconsistencies introduced during editing.
• **Trend Identification:** Analyzing edit histories can reveal patterns of stylistic changes, helping to maintain consistency.
• **Indicator Monitoring:** Tracking the use of AmE/BrE spellings across an article can serve as an indicator of potential style drift.
• **Strategy Implementation:** A clear strategy for handling style disputes is essential for maintaining a collaborative editing environment.
• **Risk Management:** Be aware of the potential for edit wars and have a plan for resolving them.
• **Volatility Assessment:** Monitor articles prone to stylistic disagreements for increased editing activity.
• **Portfolio Diversification:** Contribute to articles using different English varieties to broaden your editing experience.
• **Fundamental Analysis:** Understand the underlying reasons for choosing a particular English variety.
• **Technical Indicators:** Use tools to identify common AmE/BrE errors.
• **Market Sentiment:** Gauge the community's preference for a particular style.
• **Long-Term Investing:** Focus on maintaining consistent style over time.
• **Short-Term Trading:** Address immediate stylistic inconsistencies.
• **Swing Trading:** Identify and correct stylistic errors during periods of high editing activity.
• **Day Trading:** Quickly address minor stylistic issues.
• **Scalping:** Fine-tune stylistic details.
• **Arbitrage:** Resolve inconsistencies between different sections of an article.
• **Hedging:** Protect against stylistic changes by documenting the chosen style.
• **Leverage:** Use templates to efficiently enforce stylistic consistency.
• **Margin Trading:** Be cautious when making significant stylistic changes.
• **Stop-Loss Orders:** Implement safeguards to prevent unwanted stylistic edits.
• **Take-Profit Orders:** Celebrate successful stylistic improvements.
• **Diversification:** Contribute to a variety of articles to avoid overexposure to a single style.
• **Time Horizon:** Consider the long-term implications of stylistic choices.
• **Risk Tolerance:** Be prepared to defend your stylistic preferences.

See Also

• Wikipedia:Manual of Style
• Wikipedia:List of style guides
• Template:Use British English
• Template:Use Canadian English
• MOS:AM
• MOS:BR
• Wikipedia:Dispute resolution
• Wikipedia:Edit warring
• Wikipedia:Consensus
• Wikipedia:Talk pages

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Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners