America 1 or 2 continents?

Colleen0701 · Post by **Colleen0701** » 01 Nov 2017, 06:12

I wrote the prehistory of the America's, meaning the prehistory of both North and South America. Surely writing the prehistory of America is correct if one is referring to both continents?

DustinPBrown · Post by **DustinPBrown** » 02 Nov 2017, 17:06

It entirely depends on where you live and what you were taught.

In the US and Canada, it's taught as being two separate continents. In Europe, it's taught as being one continent. In other parts of the world, Europe and Asia aren't considered separate continents.

Saying prehistory of America to mean what you want is totally fine, though if you wanna make sure there's no confusion, you might say prehistory of the Americas.

Kylou · Post by **Kylou** » 02 Nov 2017, 17:26

I fully agree with DustinPBrown. The two are generally taught to be separate although they are on one mass of land. Writing prehistory of America can be confusing.

Colleen0701 · Post by **Colleen0701** » 03 Nov 2017, 00:06

Thank you

Tahir1990 · Post by **Tahir1990** » 03 Nov 2017, 02:36

DustinPBrown wrote:It entirely depends on where you live and what you were taught.

In the US and Canada, it's taught as being two separate continents. In Europe, it's taught as being one continent. In other parts of the world, Europe and Asia aren't considered separate continents.

Saying prehistory of America to mean what you want is totally fine, though if you wanna make sure there's no confusion, you might say prehistory of the Americas.

Here in pakistan we were taught america as one continent.

CommMayo · Post by **CommMayo** » 16 Nov 2017, 23:30

As an American, I think of the two continents being North America and South America. When I hear "America," I think of The United States of America. When I hear "The Americas," I think of both continents.

Sounds like it depends on your audience.

Manang Muyang · Post by **Manang Muyang** » 17 Nov 2017, 00:16

Based on my school knowledge, there are seven continents: Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America.

North America includes Canada, mainland USA and Central America.

However, when I say or hear America (or American), I mean (and presume) the USA. I always thought that was a given. Now, I'm not so sure.

Stephanie Runyon · Post by **Stephanie Runyon** » 14 Nov 2023, 20:35

In general, if you state someone is from America- most people believe you are speaking of the United States. North America starts from the border of Mexico/United States and is anything North. South America is south of the Equator. If you use the Equator which is the line that divides the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, it will give you a better idea of what you are discussing if you are involving both North America and South America.