# British English

> Enforce British English spelling, grammar, and conventions in all written content

- Skill: `majiayu000/british-english` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds add majiayu000/british-english`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/majiayu000/british-english/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: majiayu000 (https://skillmd.com/u/majiayu000)
- Updated: 2026-09-09
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/majiayu000/british-english

---


# Skill: british-english

## What I do

I provide expertise in enforcing British English spelling, grammar, and conventions in all written content. I ensure consistency across documentation, commit messages, and user interfaces by following UK standards.

## When to use me

- When writing or reviewing documentation and README files
- When creating user-facing labels, messages, or descriptions
- When drafting technical articles or blog posts for the project

## Core principles

1. **Spelling consistency**: Use -ise over -ize and -our over -or where applicable.
2. **Date formatting**: Use the DD Month YYYY format (e.g., 22 February 2026) to avoid ambiguity.
3. **Punctuation**: Place punctuation outside quotation marks unless it is part of the original quote.
4. **Collective nouns**: Treat collective nouns (e.g., "the team", "the company") as plural when they refer to the individuals within the group.

## Patterns & examples

**Common spelling differences:**
| British English | American English |
|-----------------|------------------|
| colour          | color            |
| behaviour       | behavior         |
| recognise       | recognize        |
| realise         | realize          |
| programme       | program          |
| licence (noun)  | license          |
| practice (noun) | practice         |
| practise (verb) | practice         |

**Date and time:**
- ✅ 22 February 2026
- ❌ February 22nd, 2026
- ✅ 21:00 (24-hour clock preferred in technical contexts)

**Grammar and punctuation:**
- ✅ The government are considering the proposal. (Plural verb for collective noun)
- ✅ Use the "save" button. (Punctuation outside quotes)
- ✅ He said, "The build failed." (Punctuation inside when part of the quote)

## Anti-patterns to avoid

- ❌ **Mixing variants**: Do not use British spelling in one paragraph and American in the next.
- ❌ **Oxford comma misuse**: While optional, be consistent. In British English, it is generally used only to avoid ambiguity.
- ❌ **-ize suffixes**: While some British dictionaries accept -ize, -ise is the standard for most UK publications and projects.

## KB Reference

`~/vaults/baphled/3. Resources/Knowledge Base/AI Development System/Skills/Communication-Writing/British English.md`

## Related skills

- `writing-style`: For overall tone and voice consistency
- `documentation-writing`: For structuring clear and helpful guides
- `proof-reader`: For final checks on grammar and spelling