Verbs in -ize and -ise

Verbs in -ize and -ise Verbs in -ize and -ise Verbs in -ize and -ise By Maeve Maddox Graham writes: I suppose being a Brit., I should to use -ise instead of -ize?  For example, realise/realize. I prefer to use  -ize in most cases.  Any rules say I cant? I am pleased to report that British usage and American usage agree on the spelling of the verb realize. Look up â€Å"realise† in the OED and you will be taken to the entry for realize. The spelling â€Å"realise† is, however, a recognized alternate spelling of realize. H. W. Fowler makes it clear that most English verbs that end in -ize or -ise and are pronounced [iz] go back to a Greek ending that contains a z. He points out that although British printers of his time follow the French practice of converting the z to an s in such verbs, the OED and other respected authorities prefer to keep the z. Both Yanks and Brits are allowed to use the -ize ending in most instances, for example: baptize authorize canonize recognize agonize characterize stigmatize methodize patronize womanize popularize philosophize civilize Nevertheless, English being what it is, there remains a small group of verbs that call for the -ise ending on both sides of the Atlantic. These are verbs that, according to Fowler, do not get their -se even remotely from the Greek -izo, must be spelt with -s-† Here are the most common -ise verbs: advertise apprise chastise circumcise comprise compromise demise despise devise disfranchise disguise enfranchise enterprise excise exercise improvise incise premise supervise surmise surprise Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Spelling category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:50 Redundant Phrases to AvoidCapitalization Rules for the Names of GamesHow to Send Tactful Emails from a Technical Support Desk