For anyone who both lives in the UK and is aware of both American culture 
and its form of English, is well aware of the strong influence of both on UK 
life.

The influence on British vocabulary is, of course, undeniable.   There is 
even influence on its grammar.   (see, for example, previous messages on the 
neutralisation of the difference between the present perfect and the simple 
past).

My question to members concerns the possibility of British English having an 
influence on American English.

For some 20 years or more, the use of phrasal verbs in British English has 
been exhibiting an interesting change.  That change entails the dropping of 
the adverbial particle.  For example, a common phrasal verb is 'to sort out' 
meaning 'to solve'.   However, more often than not, one now hears people use 
'sort' without the particle.   So, one might hear a boss say, 'Leave it with 
me.  I'll sort it.'.

I have observed the change with other PVs over the years but for the moment 
can only remember 'bail out' as in  'He bailed (out) because he believed the 
idea would not work.'

I have two questions.  The first is for those members based in the UK.

Have you noticed this change taking place?   Can you cite any other 
examples?

The second is for those based in North America.   Have you noticed any signs 
of this change in American English?

Ron Sheen 

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