‘Organisation’ or ‘Organization’: How to Spell it Correctly?

Are you wondering whether 'organisation' or 'organization' is the correct spelling? I can help!

Here is a quick overview in case you need a quick answer: 

• 'Organisation' is a misspelling in American English. 
• 'Organization' is the correct way to spell the American English noun for a society or association or for the process of getting organized. 

Although the explanation above will help you determine which spelling to use if you write for an American audience, there is more to learn.

So, keep reading!

Is 'Organisation' or 'Organization' the Correct Spelling?

Honestly, the answer to this question depends on where you live. In the United States, 'organisation' is a misspelling. In countries where people use British English, 'organisation' is acceptable.

You may wonder why a freelance writer needs to know the correct way to spell something in British English. Well, if you work for clients in Canada or the UK, you will need to know how to spell words like:

• Color - Colour
• Favorite - Favourite
• Organization - Organisation
• Favor - Favour

Remembering when to use UK and US English can be particularly challenging for some writers. However, regarding this term, 'organization' is acceptable no matter where your audience lives.

So, if you have difficulty remembering which spelling to use, you can always use the US spelling, 'organization.'

Definition of 'Organization': What Does 'Organization' Mean?

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines 'organization' as a noun that means:

• The process or act of being or getting organized
• The manner or condition of being organized
• An association, company, or society
• A functional or administrative structure such as a political party or company
• The personnel of a political party or business

'Organization' can also be an adjective that means:

• Characterized by total conformity to the requirements or standards of an organization

Synonyms of 'Organization'

• Association
• Institution
• Brotherhood
• Sisterhood
• Society
• Chamber
• Board
• Fraternity
• Group
• Consortium
• Council
• Community
• Commune
• Team
• Collective
• Fellowship
• Coalition
• Congress
• Alliance
• Guild
• Club
• Partnership
• Corporation
• Company
• Business
• Party
• Camp
• Body
• Branch
• Sorority
• Confederacy
• Set
• Cartel
• Syndicate
• Gang
• Outfit
• Membership

Definition of 'Organisation': What Does 'Organisation' Mean?

Despite the slight difference in spelling, 'organisation' has the same definition as 'organization.'

Pronunciation of 'Organisation' or 'Organization'

When you are learning the correct way to spell terms, it is a good idea to learn the correct pronunciation.

So, here is a pronunciation guide you can reference:

• Use this phonetic spelling to pronounce 'organisation':

or-gun-nuh-zay-shun

• Use this phonetic spelling to pronounce 'organization':

or-gun-nuh-zay-shun

Writing Tips: When and How to Use 'Organisation' or 'Organization'

Now that you know the correct spelling and definition of 'organization' here are some writing tips to help you determine when and how to use each spelling.

• Use 'organization' for American or British English audiences.

For example, you could say:

When you are creating a writer's notebook, organization is key to keeping your thoughts and ideas straight.

• Only use 'organisation' when addressing British English audiences.

As an example, I might say:

The organisation of the colour book was confusing. 

• Use 'organization' to describe a business or company.

So, you could say:

The organization was always participating in charity projects to help the local community. 

• Use 'organization' for the process of getting organized.

For example, you could say:

If you do not start practicing organization, your entire life will be a mess. 

• Use 'organization' for an association, club, sorority or fraternity.

As an example, you could say:

Cynthia joined her sorority in time to celebrate her 21st birthday with the organization.

Sample Sentences Using 'Organisation' and 'Organization'

Now that you know which of these spellings to use, read through these sample sentences to see each term used in different contexts.

Organisation

• Her favourite times are those she spends with her organisation.
• They showed favour to the members of the organisation.
• You should check out the credentials of any organisation you plan to do business with before you sign a contract or make a commitment.
• Do you know the colours of the sports organisation?
• If your organisation is not above board, you will likely face government and public scrutiny.
• The neighbourhoods surrounding the organisation were often critical of its business practices because it often dumped chemicals that polluted the water and endangered wildlife.

Organization

• If organization is challenging for you, you might want to enlist the help of a professional.
• Are you ready to join the organization? Or, do you need more time to consider it?
• I could never vote for an organization that does not support my principles.
• The organization realized how important it is to post frequently to its company blog after it saw the impact of infrequently posting on its search engine rank positions (SERPS).
• After you graduate from college, you should look for a position with an organization that aligns with your personal and professional values.
• Our organization is a pillar of our community because we often hold food drives and other charitable events to help the neighborhoods where we do business.
• If you make organization part of your daily life, you will save time and money because you do not have to search for or replace things you can't find.

Recap: Is the Correct Spelling 'Organisation' or 'Organization?'

We reviewed a lot of information. So, here is a quick recap of whether the correct spelling is 'organisation' or 'organization':

• 'Organisation' is a misspelling if you are writing for an American audience. 
• 'Organization' is an acceptable spelling in the United States and British English Speaking nations. 

I hope that you remember the correct spelling after reading this post. However, if you need a reminder in the future, you can always return to this page for a quick review of this lesson.

You can also learn about dozens of other terms that writers of all skill levels frequently misuse, misspell, and mispronounce. And there are also numerous posts here to help you pursue a career as a freelance writer.

So, be sure to check out the other guides here, and come back often to stay on top of industry trends and best practices.

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