Formalised vs. Formalized — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 23, 2024
"Formalised" and "formalized" are variants of the same word, while "formalised" is preferred in British English, while "formalized" is commonly used in American English.
Difference Between Formalised and Formalized
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The term "formalised" is typically used in British English to describe actions, theories, or procedures that have been made formal or official. On the other hand, "formalized" is the spelling more commonly adopted in American English, carrying the same meaning.
Both "formalised" and "formalized" refer to the process of making something systematic or established by formal procedures. The difference in usage primarily stems from regional spelling conventions rather than any difference in meaning.
For example, a business process might be "formalised" in a UK document, indicating that it has been officially codified. Conversely, the same process would be described as "formalized" in a US-based document.
The choice between "formalised" and "formalized" can also reflect the intended audience of a text, with authors choosing the variant that aligns with the spelling norms of their readers.
In academic and professional writing, the consistency in using either "formalised" or "formalized" within a document is crucial for maintaining formality and clarity.
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Despite the spelling differences, the pronunciation of "formalised" and "formalized" remains largely the same, emphasizing the minimal practical distinction between the two beyond their orthographic characteristics.
It is important for writers and editors to be aware of these regional variations to ensure that their work is correctly interpreted and respected by international audiences.
Comparison Chart
Preferred in
British English
American English
Definition
Making something systematic or official
Making something systematic or official
Example Usage
"The rules were formalised last year."
"The rules were formalized last year."
Spelling Variance
Ends with "ised"
Ends with "ized"
Audience
Intended for UK or Commonwealth readers
Intended for US readers
Compare with Definitions
Formalised
Often used in official or structured contexts.
The agreement was formalised through a legal document.
Formalized
Pertains to establishing official norms or guidelines.
Safety protocols were formalized across the corporation.
Formalised
Made official or established in a formal manner.
The procedures were formalised to ensure consistency.
Formalized
Made official or established in a formal manner.
The committee's roles were formalized at the start of the year.
Formalised
Refers to bringing informal practices into a formal framework.
The meeting protocols were formalised last month.
Formalized
Indicates the creation of formal systems or structures.
The feedback process was formalized to enhance transparency.
Formalised
Used to describe the codification of procedures.
The company formalised its hiring processes.
Formalized
Common in American English in structured settings.
Training programs were formalized to improve efficiency.
Formalised
Frequently appears in British academic and legal texts.
The guidelines were formalised in the university's policy.
Formalized
Appears in US academic and professional publications.
The findings were formalized in the research paper.
Formalised
Simple past tense and past participle of formalise
Formalized
To give a definite form or shape to.
Formalised
Concerned with or characterized by rigorous or adherence to recognized forms (especially in religion or art);
Highly formalized plays like `Waiting for Godot'
Formalized
To make formal.
Formalised
Given formal standing or endorsement; made official or legitimate by the observance of proper procedures
Formalized
To give formal standing or endorsement to; make official or legitimate by the observance of proper procedure.
Formalized
Simple past tense and past participle of formalize
Formalized
Concerned with or characterized by rigorous adherence to recognized forms, especially in religion or art; using formalism; as, highly formalized plays like "Waiting for Godot".
Formalized
Given formal standing or endorsement; made official or legitimate by the observance of proper procedures.
Formalized
Concerned with or characterized by rigorous or adherence to recognized forms (especially in religion or art);
Highly formalized plays like `Waiting for Godot'
Formalized
Given formal standing or endorsement; made official or legitimate by the observance of proper procedures
Common Curiosities
What does formalised mean?
Formalised means making something official or established in a formal way.
Can the use of "formalised" or "formalized" affect the perception of a text?
Yes, using the appropriate form can affect how a text is perceived in terms of professionalism and attention to detail.
Are there other examples of British vs. American spelling differences similar to "formalised" vs. "formalized"?
Yes, such as "organised" vs. "organized" and "realised" vs. "realized."
Is there a difference in meaning between formalised and formalized?
No, there is no difference in meaning; the difference is purely in spelling.
When should I use "formalised" instead of "formalized"?
Use "formalised" when writing for a British audience and "formalized" for an American audience.
Do major style guides recommend one spelling over the other?
Style guides typically recommend using the spelling that matches the intended audience's dialect.
What tools can help ensure the correct usage of British or American spellings?
Using language-specific spell checkers and style guides can help ensure the correct usage.
Can the spelling variation affect search engine optimization (SEO)?
Yes, using the spelling familiar to your target audience can improve SEO results.
How do I remember which spelling to use?
Remember that "ise" is common in British English, while "ize" is favored in American English.
What is the impact of using the wrong spelling in an academic paper?
Using the wrong spelling variant can lead to questions about the paper's adherence to linguistic standards, especially in rigorous academic settings.
Is one form of spelling becoming more dominant globally?
Not significantly; while American English influences global English usage, British English remains prevalent in many parts of the world.
How can educators teach these differences effectively?
Educators should emphasize regional spelling differences through comparative exercises and exposure to varied texts.
How should I approach spelling in multinational corporations?
Multinational corporations often standardize internal communication in either British or American English, depending on corporate policy.
What can happen if a legal document uses the wrong spelling form?
While generally not impacting the legality, inconsistent spelling in legal documents can reflect poorly on the professionalism of the document preparation.
What are common mistakes when using "formalised" or "formalized"?
Common mistakes include inconsistent use within the same document or misaligning the spelling with the intended audience's norms.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
