How to Use Behaviour vs Behavior Correctly

I can tell where you went to school just by looking at how you type one word.

Do you add a ‘u’ to behaviour? 

You likely value tradition, grew up in the Commonwealth, or enjoy a good cup of tea. 

Do you skip the ‘u’ and type behavior? 

You prefer efficiency, grew up in the US, or trust your spellcheck implicitly.

Neither of you is wrong. 

But if you swap places, you might both be wrong. Here is exactly when to use which, and why behaviour or behavior in Canada is the trickiest usage of all.

In this blog, we’ll explore the origin of the split, the strict rules for technology and coding, and the specific contexts where you must use one spelling over the other. 

We’ll also cover the 5 common mistakes writers make so you can ensure your spelling is always spot-on.

Let’s dive in.

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Key Takeaways

• The only difference is geography. Behavior is American; Behaviour is British/Commonwealth.

• Both words mean exactly the same thing, the way a person, animal, or system acts.

• When asking about behaviour or behavior in Canada, the standard is “behaviour” (with a ‘u’), though American influence is strong.

• Always use “behavior” in programming (CSS/HTML). Using the British spelling will break your code.

• Never mix both spellings in one document. Pick a side and stick to it for all related words (e.g., behavioral vs. behavioural).

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What Is the Difference Between Behaviour vs Behavior?

Behaviour or behavior are two different spellings of the exact same noun.

They refer to the way a person, animal, organism, or even a machine acts, conducts itself, or responds to various situations. 

The difference is not in meaning, pronunciation, or grammar. It is purely about regional spelling conventions.

So, when you search for behaviour or behavior meaning, the answer is identical for both.

Examples

• American English: The child’s behavior improved after the intervention. (Standard US spelling drops the ‘u’).
• British English: The child’s behaviour improved after the intervention. (Standard UK spelling keeps the ‘u’).

Here is the quick technical profile of the word:

Part of Speech	Noun (Can be countable or uncountable depending on context).
Pronunciation	Both are pronounced identically: /bɪˈheɪvjər/.
Meaning	Observable actions, conduct, manners, or the way someone or something behaves.
Usage	Identical in all contexts; only the spelling changes based on the English variant you are using.

• Origin and Understanding

Why did the United States drop the ‘u’? Its because of Noah Webster.

If you have ever wondered is it behaviour or behavior that came first, the British spelling holds the history, but the American version has a specific architect.

Noah Webster, often called the “Father of American Scholarship and Education,” wanted to create a distinct identity for the new nation. 

He believed that American English should be simpler and easier to learn than its British counterpart.

• Published his first dictionary in 1806, followed by his masterwork, An American Dictionary of the English Language, in 1828.

• Systematically removed the ‘u’ from words like colour, honour, and favour.

• His “Blue-Backed Speller” textbooks sold over 60 million copies by 1890. Because almost every American child learned to read using Webster’s books, the “behavior” spelling became permanently cemented in American culture.

While Americans were simplifying, the British stuck to tradition.

The spelling “behaviour” retains the ‘u’ because it preserves the word’s French origins. 

Prominent British lexicographers, like Samuel Johnson (in his famous 1755 dictionary), maintained these French-influenced spellings as the standard of sophistication and history.

This explains why the behaviour or behavior meaning remains exactly the same today, despite the spelling split.

When to Use Behaviour

If you are asking is it behaviour or behavior for an international audience, here are the 5 places where you should use “behaviour”:

1. When Writing for British and Commonwealth Audiences (Geographic Context)

Use “behaviour” when writing for readers in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, South Africa, and most Commonwealth countries.

If you are wondering about behaviour or behavior in Canada, the standard academic and government spelling is behaviour. However, due to proximity to the US, you will see “behavior” in some business contexts.

Examples:

• This study examines consumer behaviour in online marketplaces.
• Employee behaviour during remote work showed increased productivity.
• The new policy addresses antisocial behaviour in public spaces.

2. When Publishing in British-Style Academic and Scientific Journals

Many international journals based in the UK or following British style guides require the spelling “behaviour.”

 This rule is often strictly enforced, so there is no need to guess is it behavior or behaviour here.

Examples:

• The therapist observed unusual behaviour patterns in the patient.
• Animal behaviour studies reveal complex social hierarchies.
• Classroom behaviour management techniques vary across cultures.

3. When Writing for British-Based Companies and Professional Communication

Use “behaviour” when communicating with British organizations or international firms that follow UK English standards.

Examples:

• Our company values professional behaviour in all client interactions.
• Inappropriate workplace behaviour will result in disciplinary action.
• Understanding consumer behaviour is key to our brand strategy.

4. When Publishing in British Media and Publishing Houses

British newspapers, broadcasters, and publishers consistently use “behaviour.”

Examples:

• The politician’s behaviour sparked controversy in Parliament.
• Social media has fundamentally changed human behaviour.
• This chapter explores deviant behaviour in adolescence.

5. When Maintaining Consistency with British Spelling

If your content uses other British spellings such as colour, honour, favour, or programme, you should also use “behaviour” to preserve consistency and credibility.

Examples:

• The programme examined the behaviour of children, noting how colour and light influenced their mood.
  
• The party’s behaviour during the debate reflected its commitment to honour campaign promises.

If you are confused about behaviour or behavior in Canada, the standard for government, academic, and formal writing is “behaviour” (British style), though you may see the American version in proximity to US business.

When to Use Behavior

Here are the 5 places where you should use “behavior”:

1. When Writing For American Audience

Use “behavior” for audiences in the United States, Philippines, and often in international business contexts where US English is the default lingua franca.

In these cases, the question of behaviour or behavior is settled: drop the ‘u’.

2. When Working with Technology and Coding

Most programming languages (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) are based on American spelling. Writing “behaviour” in code will cause errors.

Correct: CSS Code: html { scroll-behavior: smooth; }

Incorrect: CSS Code: html { scroll-behaviour: smooth; }

3. When Following American Academic Styles (APA & MLA)

If your document follows APA or MLA format, always use “behavior.” These standards are required by most US universities and journals.

Examples:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is effective for anxiety.
• The study tracks the behavior of cells under pressure.
• Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis.

4. When Referring to Psychology and Behaviorism

The psychological school known as Behaviorism uses the American spelling globally. 

Even if you usually use British English, you might ask is it behaviour or behavior for this specific term? The answer is generally the American version for the specific psychological movement.

Examples:

• Skinner was a leading figure in radical behaviorism.
• Behavioral psychology focuses on observable actions.

5. When Maintaining Consistency with American Spelling

If your content already uses American spellings such as color, center, analyze, or program, you must use “behavior” to maintain consistency.

Examples:

• The center analyzes the behavior of the stock market.
• The program tracks user behavior using color-coded charts.

Common Mistakers with Behaviour vs Behavior

Let’s see some of the common mistakes writers make when navigating the behaviour or behavior divide:

Mistake	Incorrect Example	Correct Example
Mixing spellings within the same document	The student’s behavior improved, though some behavioural issues remained.	US: The student’s behavior improved, though some behavioral issues remained.
		UK: The student’s behaviour improved, though some behavioural issues remained.
Using American spelling for British audiences	The company’s behavior during the crisis was commendable. (UK audience)	The company’s behaviour during the crisis was commendable.
Forgetting to adjust related word forms	The behavioural psychologist studied behavior patterns.	The behavioral psychologist studied behavior patterns.
Using British spelling in American academic submissions	This dissertation examines organisational behaviour in multinational corporations.	This dissertation examines organizational behavior in multinational corporations.
Assuming one spelling is more correct	Behaviour is the proper spelling; behavior is just a simplified version.	Both spellings are correct; choice depends on audience.

It is easy to get so focused on following the strict rules of is it behavior or behaviour that your writing starts to feel stiff or robotic.

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Examples: Behaviour vs Behavior

Behaviour Examples (British/Commonwealth English)

1. The teacher praised the students for their exemplary behaviour during the school assembly.
2. Scientists study animal behaviour to understand migration patterns and survival instincts.
3. His bizarre behaviour at the meeting raised concerns among his colleagues.
4. The therapist specializes in treating obsessive-compulsive behaviour disorders.
5. Consumer behaviour research reveals that shoppers prefer sustainable products.
6. The school has implemented strict anti-bullying policies to address inappropriate behaviour.
7. Organisational behaviour studies focus on workplace dynamics and employee motivation.
8. The child’s disruptive behaviour improved significantly after counselling sessions.
9. The politician’s controversial behaviour led to widespread public criticism.
10. Behavioural economics examines how psychological factors influence financial decisions.

Behavior Examples (American English)

1. The principal addressed the unacceptable behavior displayed by several students.
2. Researchers analyzed primate behavior to gain insights into human evolution.
3. Her erratic behavior suggested she might be experiencing severe stress.
4. The psychiatrist focuses on cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety disorders.
5. Marketing teams use behavior analytics to predict purchasing trends.
6. The company’s code of conduct outlines expected professional behavior standards.
7. Organizational behavior experts recommend transparent communication in leadership.
8. The toddler’s challenging behavior improved with consistent positive reinforcement.
9. The senator’s unethical behavior sparked calls for resignation from both parties.
10. Behavioral economists study how emotions affect investor decision-making processes.

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Final Thoughts

So, there you have it. The great battle of behaviour or behavior isn’t about right or wrong; it is about where you are standing.

If you are in London or writing code for a Toronto startup (behaviour or behavior in Canada leans to the ‘u’!), you might prefer the extra vowel. If you are in New York or writing CSS, you drop it.

Language is rarely black and white, it’s more like “colour” and “color.” 

The most important thing isn’t memorizing a rulebook from 1828, but knowing your audience. 

Just remember: no matter how you spell it, nobody likes bad behavior (or behaviour). So go forth, write confidently, and try not to set your spellcheck on fire.

For extra peace of mind, polish your final draft with Undetectable AI so it reads naturally and stays confidently human.