Categorize vs. Categorise
“Categorize” and “categorise” are regional spelling variants of the same verb. Cambridge presents “categorize” as the headword and notes that UK English usually uses “categorise,” so the practical choice is regional or house-style consistency.
Both spellings are valid. “Categorize” is standard in US-oriented writing; Cambridge notes that UK English usually uses “categorise.”
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / situation | Construction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| US-oriented spelling | categorize | use in US English |
| UK-oriented spelling | categorise | use in UK-oriented prose |
Quick tests
Regional-style test
Is the text following US spelling conventions?
If yes: Use “categorize.”
If no: Use “categorise” for a UK-oriented style that prefers -ise spelling.
Caveat: Both spellings are valid; this is a regional/house-style distinction, not a meaning difference.
Examples
We categorize requests by priority.
“Categorize” is standard US spelling.
We categorise requests by priority.
“Categorise” is a usual UK spelling.
Keep the chosen -ize/-ise convention consistent across the document.
Consistency is the editorial requirement.
Further guidance
Core difference
The forms have the same meaning; the difference is spelling convention rather than grammar or meaning.
Style Boundary
Follow the regional or organizational spelling system used by the rest of the document and keep the choice consistent.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- categorize — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Regional spelling evidence: categorize, with UK usually categorise