Randomised vs. Randomized — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 6, 2024
"Randomised and Randomized both refer to the process of making something random, but they differ primarily in spelling based on regional preferences: 'Randomised' is preferred in British English, while 'Randomized' is more common in American English."
Difference Between Randomised and Randomized
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Randomised" is the form commonly used in British English, reflecting the spelling conventions that often include 'ise' endings in words like 'organise' and 'realise'. Whereas "Randomized" follows the American English convention, typically using 'ize' endings as seen in 'organize' and 'realize'. This variation aligns with the broader linguistic differences between these two versions of English.
When publishing or writing academic texts, "Randomised" is often expected in materials meant for British audiences or publications based in regions that follow British English norms. On the other hand, "Randomized" is the preferred spelling in works targeting American audiences, evident in major American publications and academic standards.
In the context of software and scientific research, "Randomised" might be seen in software developed in the UK or by companies that use British English as their standard. Meanwhile, "Randomized" is often found in software and research outputs from the United States, reflecting the linguistic preferences of the region.
Online search trends also show variations; searches for "Randomised" are more frequent on UK-based websites, whereas "Randomized" garners more hits on US-centric search engines. This reflects the regional spelling preferences and how they influence internet use and content creation.
Education systems also differ in their teaching of these terms; British schools teach "Randomised" as part of their English curriculum, instilling this spelling in students from an early age. Conversely, American schools emphasize "Randomized," making it the norm among students and professionals alike.
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Comparison Chart
Regional Usage
British English
American English
Common in Spelling
'ise' ending
'ize' ending
Preferred in
UK, Australia, other Commonwealth countries
USA, Canada
Example Publications
Oxford journals
American journals
Search Engine Preference
Higher in UK
Higher in US
Compare with Definitions
Randomised
Made random in arrangement or composition.
The subjects were randomised into different study groups.
Randomized
Made random in arrangement or composition.
The subjects were randomized into different study groups.
Randomised
Allocated by a random method, especially in experiments.
The randomised design minimized bias in the clinical trial.
Randomized
Selected or arranged without a specific plan or pattern.
The seating was randomized at the conference.
Randomised
Scrambled to prevent predictability.
The entries were randomised to protect participants' anonymity.
Randomized
Allocated by a random method, especially in experiments.
The randomized design minimized bias in the clinical trial.
Randomised
Assigned randomly to ensure fairness.
Participants were randomised to receive either the treatment or placebo.
Randomized
Scrambled to prevent predictability.
The entries were randomized to protect participants' anonymity.
Randomised
Selected or arranged without a specific plan or pattern.
The seating was randomised at the conference.
Randomized
Assigned randomly to ensure fairness.
Participants were randomized to receive either the treatment or placebo.
Randomised
Simple past tense and past participle of randomise
Randomized
To make random in arrangement, especially in order to control the variables in an experiment.
Randomised
Set up or distributed in a deliberately random way
Randomized
Simple past tense and past participle of randomize
Randomized
Obtained by randomization
Randomized
Set up or distributed in a deliberately random way
Common Curiosities
Is one spelling more correct than the other globally?
Neither spelling is globally correct; the preference depends on regional English conventions.
How do English learners know which spelling to use?
English learners should follow the convention taught in their educational curriculum or the one most relevant to their region.
Are there differences in how these terms are pronounced?
No, both "Randomised" and "Randomized" are pronounced the same way.
What should I use in an international journal, "Randomised" or "Randomized"?
It depends on the journal's style guide, but many international journals specify American English and would therefore prefer "Randomized."
Can changing between spellings impact the perceived credibility of a document?
Yes, using the spelling that is inconsistent with the regional norm might affect the document's perceived credibility or professionalism.
What spelling should be used in legal or official documents?
Legal or official documents should adhere to the spelling conventions of the jurisdiction in which they are drafted.
What spelling do international organizations like the WHO or UN use?
International organizations typically choose one English convention to follow consistently, often American English.
How do software programs handle these spelling differences?
Software programs with language settings can adapt spelling based on user preferences for British or American English.
Does the spelling variation affect search engine optimization (SEO)?
Yes, using the regional spelling preferred by your target audience can improve SEO results in that region.
Are there any historical reasons for the different spellings?
Yes, the differences stem from early 19th-century American lexicographers advocating for simplified spellings, which diverged from British English.
Are there any contexts where both spellings might be seen together?
In multinational collaborations or in documents that reference both American and British resources, both spellings might appear.
Do English dictionaries list both spellings?
Yes, most comprehensive English dictionaries list both spellings and indicate the regional usage.
Does the choice between "Randomised" and "Randomized" influence translation accuracy?
Not typically, as the meaning is the same and professional translators are aware of the regional spelling preferences.
What should content creators consider when choosing a spelling?
Content creators should consider their audience's location and the linguistic norms of that region to choose the most appropriate spelling.
How do style guides like APA or MLA handle these variations?
Style guides like APA and MLA recommend using American English, thus preferring "Randomized."
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
