Equalise vs Equalize: When And How Can You Use Each One?

Equalise vs equalize: which one is correct? This is a question that has been asked by many people who are confused about the spelling of this word. The answer is simple: both spellings are correct, but they are used in different parts of the world. In British English, the correct spelling is equalise, while in American English, the correct spelling is equalize.

Equalise means to make something equal or to balance something out. It is often used in the context of sports, where teams try to equalise the score or level the playing field. On the other hand, equalize means to make something equal or to make things even. It is often used in the context of mathematics, where equations are equalized or balanced.

In this article, we will explore the differences between equalise and equalize, and when it is appropriate to use each one. We will also discuss some common mistakes that people make when using these words, and provide some tips on how to avoid them.

Define Equalise

Equalise is a verb that means to make something equal or even. It is often used in the context of leveling out differences or imbalances. In the field of audio engineering, equalising refers to adjusting the frequency response of an audio signal in order to achieve a desired sound.

Equalisation can also refer to the process of compensating for differences or inequalities in a system or process. For example, in sports, equalising may refer to the act of balancing out advantages or disadvantages between teams in order to create a fair competition.

Define Equalize

Equalize is a variant spelling of equalise, commonly used in American English. It has the same meaning as equalise, which is to make something equal or level. The only difference between the two spellings is the addition of the letter ‘z’ instead of the letter ‘s’.

Equalize is often used in the context of achieving balance or fairness in a situation. For example, in politics, equalizing may refer to the act of creating equal opportunities or resources for different groups or individuals.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

When it comes to writing, using the right words in a sentence is crucial to convey the intended message. In this section, we will discuss how to use the words “equalise” and “equalize” correctly in a sentence.

How To Use “Equalise” In A Sentence

The word “equalise” is a verb that means to make something equal or level. Here are some examples of how to use “equalise” in a sentence:

• After the goal, the team was able to equalise the score.
• The government is implementing policies to equalise the distribution of wealth.
• The teacher tried to equalise the opportunities for all students in the class.

As you can see, “equalise” is used when referring to making something equal or level, whether it be a score, distribution of wealth, or opportunities.

How To Use “Equalize” In A Sentence

The word “equalize” is also a verb that means to make something equal or level. However, it is more commonly used in American English than “equalise”. Here are some examples of how to use “equalize” in a sentence:

• The company is trying to equalize salaries across all departments.
• The medicine helped to equalize the pressure in my ears.
• The tax system needs to be reformed to equalize the burden on all citizens.

Just like “equalise”, “equalize” is used when referring to making something equal or level. However, it is important to note that “equalize” is more commonly used in American English, while “equalise” is more commonly used in British English.

More Examples Of Equalise & Equalize Used In Sentences

In order to fully understand the difference between equalise and equalize, it is important to see how they are used in context. Here are some examples:

Examples Of Using Equalise In A Sentence

• The government is taking steps to equalise the distribution of wealth among its citizens.
• It’s important to equalise the pressure in your ears when flying in an airplane.
• The coach made some changes to the team in order to equalise the playing field.
• She tried to equalise the score with a last-minute goal, but it was too late.
• He wanted to equalise the amount of time he spent with each of his children.
• The company is working to equalise pay between men and women in the same positions.
• They used a special tool to equalise the tire pressure on all four wheels.
• The goal of the program is to equalise educational opportunities for students from all backgrounds.
• He tried to equalise the amount of attention he gave to each of his friends.
• The team was able to equalise the score in the second half of the game.

Examples Of Using Equalize In A Sentence

• The company is working to equalize pay between men and women in the same positions.
• The coach made some changes to the team in order to equalize the playing field.
• She tried to equalize the score with a last-minute goal, but it was too late.
• It’s important to equalize the pressure in your ears when flying in an airplane.
• The government is taking steps to equalize the distribution of wealth among its citizens.
• They used a special tool to equalize the tire pressure on all four wheels.
• The team was able to equalize the score in the second half of the game.
• He wanted to equalize the amount of time he spent with each of his children.
• The goal of the program is to equalize educational opportunities for students from all backgrounds.
• He tried to equalize the amount of attention he gave to each of his friends.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to writing, it’s easy to make mistakes, especially when it comes to using similar words interchangeably. One of the most common mistakes people make is using “equalise” and “equalize” interchangeably. However, these two words have different spellings and meanings, and using them incorrectly can lead to confusion and misunderstandings. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using “Equalise” When You Mean “Equalize”

The word “equalise” is a British spelling of “equalize.” While both words mean to make things equal, “equalize” is the preferred spelling in American English. Using “equalise” instead of “equalize” can make your writing seem outdated or confusing to American readers.

Using “Equalize” When You Mean “Equilibrize”

Another common mistake is using “equalize” when you mean “equilibrize.” While both words mean to make things equal, “equilibrize” is used specifically in the context of balancing or stabilizing something. Using “equalize” instead of “equilibrize” can lead to confusion and misunderstandings.

Using “Equalize” When You Mean “Egalize”

Finally, some people use “equalize” when they mean “egalize,” which means to make things equal in terms of rights or opportunities. Using “equalize” instead of “egalize” can change the meaning of your sentence and lead to misunderstandings.

Tips To Avoid These Mistakes

To avoid these common mistakes, it’s important to pay attention to the spelling and context of the words you use. Here are some tips:

• Use “equalize” instead of “equalise” in American English.
• Use “equilibrize” instead of “equalize” when referring to balancing or stabilizing something.
• Use “egalize” instead of “equalize” when referring to making things equal in terms of rights or opportunities.
• Double-check the spelling and context of the words you use to ensure you’re using the correct word.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between the words “equalise” and “equalize,” context plays a crucial role in determining which one to use. Both words are valid spellings of the same term, but they are used differently depending on the context in which they are used.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “equalise” and “equalize” might change:

Context	Preferred Spelling	Explanation
British English	Equalise	In British English, “equalise” is the standard spelling and is used in all contexts.
American English	Equalize	In American English, “equalize” is the standard spelling and is used in all contexts.
Mathematics	Equalize	In mathematics, “equalize” is used to describe the process of making two things equal. For example, “We need to equalize the two sides of the equation.”
Audio Engineering	Equalise	In audio engineering, “equalise” is used to describe the process of adjusting the balance of frequencies in a sound recording. For example, “We need to equalise the bass and treble.”

As you can see, the choice between “equalise” and “equalize” can depend on the context in which they are used. It’s important to be aware of these differences in order to use the correct spelling in the appropriate context.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the general rule is to use “equalize” in American English and “equalise” in British English, there are some exceptions where this rule may not apply. Let’s take a closer look at these exceptions:

Technical Writing

In technical writing, especially in the fields of science and engineering, “equalize” is often used regardless of the variant of English being used. This is because “equalize” is the more commonly used term in technical contexts, and it is often preferred for its brevity and clarity. For example:

• The pressure in the two chambers must be equalized before the experiment can begin.
• The voltage across the circuit needs to be equalized to prevent overheating.

Legal Writing

In legal writing, the choice between “equalize” and “equalise” may depend on the specific jurisdiction being referred to. For example, in Canadian legal writing, “equalise” is often used instead of “equalize” to conform to the spelling conventions of British English. However, in American legal writing, “equalize” is generally preferred. Here are some examples:

• The court ordered the assets to be equalized between the two parties.
• The tax laws aim to equalise the burden of taxation across different income groups.

Personal Preferences

Finally, it’s worth noting that some people may simply have a personal preference for one variant over the other, regardless of the context or rules. While this may not be the most consistent approach, it is a valid one as long as the chosen variant is used consistently throughout the writing. Here are some examples:

• As a British author, I prefer to use “equalise” in all my writing.
• As an American journalist, I always use “equalize” because it’s the more widely recognized spelling.

Overall, while the rules for using “equalise” and “equalize” may seem straightforward, there are some exceptions that writers should be aware of. By understanding these exceptions and applying them appropriately, writers can ensure that their writing is clear, concise, and consistent.

Practice Exercises

Now that you have a better understanding of the differences between equalise and equalize, it’s time to put that knowledge into practice. Here are some exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these two words in sentences:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Choose the correct word (equalise or equalize) to fill in the blank in each sentence below:

1. The goal of the project is to ___________ the opportunities for all students.
2. It’s important to ___________ the pressure in your car’s tires regularly.
3. We need to ___________ the distribution of resources to ensure everyone has access to them.
4. She tried to ___________ the score by scoring a goal in the final minutes of the game.
5. Can you ___________ the volume on the TV? It’s too loud.

Answer Key:

1. equalize
2. equalize
3. equalise
4. equalize
5. equalize

Exercise 2: Choose The Correct Word

Choose the correct word (equalise or equalize) to complete each sentence below:

1. We need to ___________ the distribution of resources to ensure everyone has access to them.
2. He wants to ___________ the opportunities for all students.
3. Can you ___________ the volume on the TV? It’s too loud.
4. She tried to ___________ the score by scoring a goal in the final minutes of the game.
5. It’s important to ___________ the pressure in your car’s tires regularly.

Explanations:

1. “Equalise” is the preferred spelling in British English, while “equalize” is the preferred spelling in American English.

2. “Equalise” is the preferred spelling in British English, while “equalize” is the preferred spelling in American English.

3. “Equalize” is the preferred spelling in American English, while “equalise” is the preferred spelling in British English.

4. “Equalize” is the preferred spelling in American English, while “equalise” is the preferred spelling in British English.

5. “Equalize” is the preferred spelling in American English, while “equalise” is the preferred spelling in British English.

Conclusion

After delving into the differences between “equalise” and “equalize,” it’s clear that these two words are simply different spellings of the same concept. While “equalise” is more commonly used in British English, “equalize” is the preferred spelling in American English.

It’s important to remember that language is constantly evolving, and there are often multiple correct ways to spell or use a word. However, maintaining consistency in your writing can help you communicate your ideas clearly and effectively.

Key Takeaways

• “Equalise” and “equalize” are both correct spellings of the same word, with “equalize” being preferred in American English.
• Consistency in language use is important for clear communication.
• Language is constantly evolving, and it’s important to stay up-to-date on grammar and usage rules.

By continuing to learn about grammar and language use, you can improve your writing skills and effectively communicate your ideas to others. Whether you’re a professional writer or simply someone who wants to improve their communication skills, there’s always room to grow and learn.