diff --git a/src/humanize/i18n.py b/src/humanize/i18n.py
index 42447b0..38307ea 100644
--- a/src/humanize/i18n.py
+++ b/src/humanize/i18n.py
@@ -71,6 +71,9 @@ def activate(
     Raises:
         Exception: If humanize cannot find the locale folder.
     """
+    if locale == "en_GB" or locale == "en_US":
+        locale = None
+
     if path is None:
         path = _get_default_locale_path()
 
diff --git a/tests/test_i18n.py b/tests/test_i18n.py
index f3721c9..908c8fc 100644
--- a/tests/test_i18n.py
+++ b/tests/test_i18n.py
@@ -39,6 +39,21 @@ def test_i18n() -> None:
         assert humanize.precisedelta(one_min_three_seconds) == "1 minute and 7 seconds"
 
 
+def test_en_locale() -> None:
+    three_seconds = NOW - dt.timedelta(seconds=3)
+
+    humanize.i18n.activate(None)
+    test_str = humanize.naturaltime(three_seconds)
+
+    humanize.i18n.activate("en_US")
+    assert test_str == humanize.naturaltime(three_seconds)
+
+    humanize.i18n.activate("en_GB")
+    assert test_str == humanize.naturaltime(three_seconds)
+
+    humanize.i18n.deactivate()
+
+
 def test_intcomma() -> None:
     number = 10_000_000