American English
realize, organizeAmerican spelling uses -ize for these verbs.
recognize; apologize; memorizeHomeSpelling guides-ise or -ize?
THE SPELLING NOTEBOOK · 09
Realise or
realize?
Both can be right. It depends on where you are, and on a short list of words that never change.
Try a little practice ↓THE RULES, ONE AT A TIME
Look at the word.
Then add the ending.
British English (often)
realise, organiseBritish spelling often uses -ise. -ize is also accepted.
recognise; apologise; memoriseAlways -ise
surprise, exerciseThese are spelled -ise in British and American English.
advertise; advise; revise; televise; superviseWords ending -lyse
analyse / analyzeBritish English uses -yse; American English uses -yze.
paralyse / paralyzeExceptions to remember
Words where -ise is part of a longer word, not the suffix, never change: wise, rise, expertise, compromise, disguise, enterprise. The word size is always spelled with a z. A few words are always z: capsize, and prize (an award). And analyse keeps -yse in British English even when a writer uses -ize elsewhere.
A LITTLE PRACTICE GOES A LONG WAY
Which spelling is right?
Use the rules above, then check your answers.
Teacher answer key
- surprise (always the same)
- realize (American English)
- exercise (always the same)
- organize (American English)
- advise (to give advice)
- televise (always the same)
A note for the grown-ups.
Rules summarised from the Department for Education’s English spelling appendix. Examples and practice are original site copy, checked against the ENABLE2K word list. Spelling rules have exceptions; check unfamiliar words in a dictionary.