"z" or "s"... That´s the question...?

Question

Hello!

I´m learning for an English test and I allways make the same mistake:

paralized or paralised? Immortalized or immortalised?

How do I know if I have to write "s" or "z" when using the suffix "-sed/-zed"?

In the leo dictionary, both seem to be right but I always get them corrected in my essays!

Thank you!!

PS: The "Check Spelling" function didn´t correct them either.

ok, paralyzed or paralysed.. Sorry

Answer 1

To other posters who have said that the 'ise' spelling is the correct 'British' way, I am afraid you are wrong.

This is what the Oxford English Dictionary has to say on the matter:

'The verbal ending -ize has been in general use since the 16th century; it is favoured in American English and in much British writing, and remains the current preferred style of Oxford University Press in academic and general books published in Britain. However, the alternative spelling -ise is now widespread (partly under the influence of French), especially in Britain, and may be adopted provided its use is consistent. A number of verbs always end in -ise in British use, notably advertise, chastise, despise, disguise, franchise, merchandise, surmise, and all verbs ending in -cise, -prise, -vise (including comprise, excise, prise (open), supervise, surprise, televise, etc.), but -ize is always used in prize (=value), capsize, size. Spellings with -yze (analyze, paralyze) are acceptable only in American usage.'

So, it isn't a simple case of -ise = British and -ize = American.

I hope this is helpful!

Answer 2

You have received a thorough and correct response from "cleast" . In addition it is perhaps useful to note that the "French" spelling became highly developed during the reign of Queen Victoria when there was still alternative spellings accepted. In fact the British were jealous of the Acadamie Francaise which keeps French a pure language and in imitation of this a few misguided but well meaning scholars standardized spellings favouring the use of s over z as it was nearer to what they considered the Latin method of spelling. In the same way "our" replaced "or" in words like favor and color. In fact the American spelling is closer to original English and has remained so. As a Brit like many others I used to get irritated by Americanisms until I learnt these facts, so don't knock our transatlantic cousins this is something they got right and we got wrong. Hard to admit but one has to respect the truth.

Answer 3

existence sucks especially cases. is this the reason you're asking each and every of the morbid questions this night? Being bummed is nice, yet emo? rather? you're too previous to get your panties in a wad over an ordinary screw-up after all the sunlight will nonetheless arise the following day. And the Bruins will nonetheless play, too. to answer your question, "panic prayer" isn't something to experience responsible or ashamed approximately. it rather is a mark of your uncomplicated humanity and that i've got faith it will be on the checklist you already know compliment, petition , and panic. Why no longer? all and sundry does it. Even athiests.

Answer 4

The correct way to spell these words is paralysed and immortalised, I think the american spelling in english uses "zed" but most of the english words are "sed" eg: compromised, victimised, immobilised. Hope this helps !

Answer 5

There are two branches of English. Branch one - the Shakespeare version mostly uses the letter 's'. In Branch two - American English, the letter 'z' is more common.

For your own benefit, I recommend you study American English spellings. The reason I say this, is although I am British and living in UK, I am aware that the most popular version of England is the American one. It is also fast becoming a world language.

For spellings you can go directly to Oxford English Dictionary or Websters [American]. Both have websites.

Answer 6

The "z" is old fashioned and is kept alive mainly in American English. If writing for American consumption, keep using "z". It is also used by the United Nations and its agencies, so you will see it in a large number of international documents.

The "s" is modern and used widely in English speaking countries other than the USA. I have a constant fight with my keyboard, which always wants to correct my European spelling to US usage.

Find out where your teacher comes from and adapt your spelling accordingly. Both "z" and "s" are correct and it's a matter of pleasing your audience!

Answer 7

I think that z is the American spelling and s is the English, although I have seen both. Maybe you should show your dictionary to your teacher and ask her why she doesn't accept either. Your spell check may be American so only suggest the American spelling. Isn't it 'paralysed'?

Answer 8

Honey, are you taking this test here in the USA? If you are, use the "Z" --- when in doubt, always use the "Z", as in industrialized, colonized, scrutinized, optimized, criticized, socialized, analyzed, etc. etc.

Now, if you are in Europe (like Great Britain), I think that's where both spellings - either with an "s" or a "z" - are acceptable.

I was educated both in the Philippines (our system is patterned after the Amer.) and here in the USA, and I personally didn't have this problem - I have always used "Z".

Good luck in your test.

Answer 9

S is British spelling and Z is American. Stick either to British English or American English, don't mix them.

Answer 10

English was invented in England and not America. They have bastardised our language to tailor their own needs. Stick with the 's'. The spell function is probably American so it won't help you.
Laser (Eng) Lazer (US)
Razor (Eng) Razer (US)

Even when we use a 'z' they still have to change something!