Neighbors or Neighbours: Which One to Use?

Neighbors vs. Neighbours

The words “neighbors” and “neighbours” both mean people who live near you. You might wonder why they look different. Let’s learn about their history, how to use them, and a trick to remember which one to use!

History

Both “neighbors” and “neighbours” come from an old English word. Long ago, people in England started to spell some words differently. When British English and American English developed, some words changed in the way they are written.

How to Use Them

These words are very similar, but they are used in different places:

• Neighbors: This is the American English way to spell the word. People in the United States use “neighbors.”
• Neighbours: This is the British English way to spell the word. People in the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada use “neighbours.”

Trick to Remember the Difference

You can remember which word to use by thinking of the letter “u” in “neighbours.” British English keeps the “u” in many words like “colour” and “favour.” American English drops the “u,” so it’s “color,” “favor,” and “neighbors” without the “u.”

Examples of “Neighbors”

• Our neighbors have a cute dog.
• I love visiting my neighbors for tea.
• The neighbors helped us paint the fence.
• We borrowed a ladder from our neighbors.
• Our neighbors are very friendly.

Examples of “Neighbours”

• Our neighbours are coming over for dinner.
• The neighbours’ children are playing outside.
• We can see our neighbours’ house from our window.
• They talked to their neighbours about the garden.
• The neighbours gave us a lovely gift.

Summary

“Neighbors” and “neighbours” mean the same thing: people who live close to you. If you are in the United States, you use “neighbors.” If you are in the UK or some other countries, you use “neighbours.” Remember, keep the “u” for British English words!