What is an English breakfast?

QUESTION: What is the difference between an English breakfast and an American breakfast? - Sue Ranger

ANSWER: I have tried to find exact definitions, but it appears that these terms are used very loosely. Basically, you can expect to receive eggs, bacon, toast and coffee or tea with both breakfasts. Besides that, it depends on the chef's interpretation. English breakfasts often come with sausages, baked beans and mushrooms. You may even get black pudding, a sausage which is made by cooking blood with a filler until it congeals. An American breakfast is likely to include small potato cakes known as hash-browns and maybe a pancake with maple syrup. However, in most large hotels, both English and American breakfasts are likely to offer a full range of choices for breakfast, which would include fruit, pastries and cereals.