GUIDE ENGLISH GRAMMAR BOOK

40 AMERICAN ENGLISH PAGE 390
2 Do for an action
The British sometimes use do to refer to an action. • 38 (2c)
GB: He practises the piano, but not as often as he might (do).
You should reply if you haven't (done) already.
This usage is not found in American English.
US: He practices the piano, but not as often as he might.
You should reply if you haven't already.
But Americans use do so.
GB/US: You should reply if you haven't done so already.
3 Do for emphasis
The British can use do to emphasize an offer or invitation in the imperative form.
GB: (Do) have a glass of wine.
This usage is less common in American English.
US: Have a glass of wine.
Americans also avoid the emphatic Do let's... and the negative Don't let's...
• 19 (6a)
GB/US: Let's not invite them.
GB only: Don't let's invite them.
NOTE Let's don't invite them is possible in informal American English but not in Britain.
4 Question tags
Americans use tags much less often than the British. The British may use them
several times in a conversation, but this would sound strange to an American.
Americans use tags when they expect agreement. They do not often use them to
persuade or argue.
GB/US: Mary likes ice-cream, doesn't she?
GB only: You'll just have to try harder, won't you?
Americans often use the tags right? and OK?
Mainly US: You're going to meet me, right?
We'll take the car, OK?
5 Have, have got and have gotten
a
Have and have got
GB:
I've got/I have some money.
US (spoken): I've got some money.
US (written: I have some money.