CANADIAN ENGLISH: Grammar, vocabulary and style features
Canadian English (CanE) is a distinct national variety of English shaped by British English (historical ties), American English (geographic proximity), French (especially in Quebec and federal institutions), and Indigenous languages (lexical and place-name influence). It is not simply a mix of British and American English; it has its own systematic patterns.
VOCABULARY FEATURES
Examples of words that are used almost exclusively, or with unique meanings, in Canada:
toque = knitted winter hat
Grab your toque; it's freezing.
loonie/toonie = $1 and $2 coins
I've only got a toonie.
washroom = restroom/bathroom
The washroom's at the back.
chesterfield (older) = sofa/couch
Sit on the chesterfield.
hydro = electricity
Hydro prices went up again.
serviette = paper napkin
Can I get a serviette?
French influence
This is especially noticeable in Quebec and in official government usage.
In Quebec and other French-speaking areas of the country, one often hears words such as dep (dépanneur, a corner store in Quebec), stage (internship) or autoroute (highway) in everyday English conversations.
"I'm running to the dep."
"She's doing a stage this summer."
"Take the autoroute west."
Similarities to US & British English
Generally, Canadian English vocabulary is much closer to that of American English than it is to British English vocabulary. If a word is different from American English, it is usually a "Canadianism" (unique to Canadian English), and not from British English.
Spelling conventions
Canadian spelling blends British and American norms:
British-style spelling
• colour, honour, centre, theatre
• travelling, cancelled (double l)
American-style spelling
• tire (not tyre)
• program (not programme, except in some academic contexts)
• defense (not defence)
This hybrid system is a key marker of Canadian English.
GRAMMAR FEATURES
Canadian grammar is largely standard, but some features stand out:
“As well” at the end of a sentence
Very common in informal speech:
I'll bring snacks as well.
(More frequent than in American English.)
Collective nouns
Generally treated as singular (American-style):
The team is winning.
USAGE
EH
"Eh" is a multifunctional tag, not just a stereotype.
Examples:
• seeking agreement
Nice weather, eh?
• softening a statement
That was expensive, eh?
• checking comprehension
You'll be there at six, eh?
It signals solidarity rather than ignorance.
Politeness and indirectness
Canadian English tends to favor mitigated requests:
I was just wondering if you could...
Sorry, could I squeeze past you?
This, of course, depends on the person, as it would be naive to assume that everyone is polite... but one does hear this more in Canada than in the US, for example.
PRONUNCIATION
Arguably, the main feature of Canadian English pronunciation is known as "Canadian Raising."
Vowels in
about and
write are raised before voiceless consonants:
• about → [ə'bʌʊt] (often misheard as “aboot”)
• write vs. ride have distinct vowels
This feature is widespread across Canada.
REGIONAL DIFFERENCES
Quebec English
• French-influenced vocabulary (dep, metro)
• Distinct rhythm and intonation
• Some calques from French
Atlantic Canada (Maritimes & Newfoundland)
• Irish and Scottish influence
• Unique lexical items:
right some = very
where're you to? = where are you going?
• Newfoundland English is especially distinct and sometimes considered its own variety.
Prairie Provinces
• More conservative pronunciation
• Strong influence from rural and agricultural vocabulary
• Generally closer to “General Canadian” speech
Northern & Indigenous-influenced varieties
• Lexical borrowings (e.g., mukluk)
• Unique discourse patterns influenced by Indigenous languages
