How do you spell words that end in -ise or -ize?

The ending "-ise" or "-ize" can be tricky! Here's a breakdown to help you decide:

General Rules:

* -ize: This ending is the most common and is used for verbs formed from nouns or adjectives. Examples:

* Modern -> Modernize

* Special -> Specialize

* Visual -> Visualize

* -ise: This ending is less common and is generally used in words of Greek or Latin origin. Here are some examples:

* Franchise

* Supervise

* Circumcise

Exceptions:

There are some exceptions to these rules, and unfortunately, there's no easy formula to memorize them all. Here are a few common ones:

* -ize is used in verbs that come from Greek words ending in "-sis" (e.g., analysis -> analyze).

* -ise is often used for verbs that come from French words (e.g., advise, exercise).

Best Practice:

* If you're unsure, check a dictionary!

* When in doubt, go with "-ize." It's more common and less likely to be marked incorrect.

Remember: Language is constantly evolving, and sometimes usage can change over time. There may be some overlap or variations in spelling, so it's always a good idea to double-check your resources!