Is American English 'real' English compared to British English?

No. Linguistically, neither is a "corruption." In fact, American English has preserved some features of 18th-century English (like rhoticity—pronouncing the "r") that the British later dropped. Both dialects have evolved independently due to geographical separation and cultural influences.

Which English should I learn for the IELTS or TOEFL?

Most international English exams accept both British and American English. The golden rule for high scores is consistency . If you start an essay using British spelling (e.g., colour), you must not switch to American spelling (color) later in the same text. Mixing the two can result in a lower score for "lexical resource."

Why do Americans use "gotten" while the British use "got"?

" Gotten " is an archaic middle-English form that fell out of use in England but was retained in the United States. Today, it is one of the most distinct grammatical markers between the two. Americans use "gotten" as the past participle of "get" (e.g., I have gotten used to it), while the British use "got" (e.g., I have got used to it).

Can British and American people understand each other?

Yes, they are 95% identical. Most confusion arises from slang or specific household objects (like faucet vs tap). With the rise of global streaming services like Netflix and the BBC, both populations are becoming increasingly familiar with each other's dialects.

Can I mix British and American English in the same document?

In casual conversation, mixing them is common and perfectly fine. However, in formal writing, business, or academic contexts, it is considered unprofessional. Stick to one "house style" to maintain a polished and authoritative voice.