Last week, I was planning a charity event and kept typing “organizing the volunteers”, then paused and wondered, “Wait… should it be organising instead?” That small uncertainty can confuse even experienced writers.
People search for organizing or organising because the spelling depends on whether they are using American or British English.
Whether you’re writing for work, school, social media, or exams like IELTS, knowing the correct spelling matters.
In this article, I’ll explain the meaning, examples, common usage, professional terms like Organising Secretary, Oxford dictionary guidance, and IELTS conventions, so you’ll never mix them up again.
Quick Answer
- Organizing ✅ → American English spelling
- Organising ✅ → British English spelling
Meaning:
- To arrange, plan, or coordinate tasks, events, or objects systematically.
- To structure or manage activities efficiently.
Examples:
- US: I am organizing the team meeting. ✅
- UK: I am organising the team meeting. ✅
The Origin of Organizing / Organising
Understanding why organize has two spellings helps clarify the confusion between organizing and organising.
- The verb organize comes from the Latin word organum, meaning tool, instrument, or system.
- Early English used the -ize ending, influenced by Greek and Latin verbs.
- In British English, the -ise ending became common in the 18th century. This is why today we have organising in UK and organizing in US.
Evolution of Spelling
- 16th–17th century: English texts mostly used -ize.
- 18th century: British printers started using -ise more frequently.
- 20th century: US retained -ize, UK standardized -ise.
Why it matters today
- Both spellings are correct in their respective variants.
- Professional writing, exams like IELTS, and publications require consistency in one spelling.
- Modern English learners often search “organizing or organising meaning” to understand this origin.
Examples:
US: She is organizing a school event. ✅
UK: She is organising a school event. ✅
The Meaning of Organizing / Organising
- Organizing / Organising means arranging or structuring something systematically.
- It can refer to tasks, events, schedules, or even objects.
Examples:
- She is organizing her study materials for exams. ✅
- He is organising the company’s annual conference. ✅
Everyday use:
- Cleaning rooms, managing a schedule, planning trips — all can be called organizing/organising.
Organize or Organise – Oxford Dictionary
- Oxford English Dictionary recognizes both organize and organise as correct.
- -ize endings are American English.
- -ise endings are British English, used in the UK, Australia, and Commonwealth countries.
Example:
- Oxford Dictionary notes: “organize (US) / organise (UK)”. ✅
Organized or Organised in IELTS
- IELTS exam accepts both spellings, depending on the test-taker’s chosen English variant.
- Tips:
- Stick to one variant consistently throughout your writing.
- Avoid mixing -ize and -ise in essays or reports.
Examples:
- US: The team organized their tasks efficiently. ✅
- UK: The team organised their tasks efficiently. ✅
American English vs British English Spelling
| Feature | American English | British English |
|---|---|---|
| Spelling | Organizing, Organized | Organising, Organised |
| Verb endings | -ize / -ized | -ise / -ised |
| Common countries | US, Canada | UK, Australia, New Zealand |
| Pronunciation | /ˈɔːrɡənaɪzɪŋ/ | /ˈɔːɡənaɪzɪŋ/ |
| Usage | ✅ Standard | ✅ Standard |
Which Form Should You Use?
- Use Organizing / Organized in American English.
- Use Organising / Organised in British English.
- Ensure consistency in professional documents, exams, or publications.
Examples:
- US: I am organizing my schedule for next week. ✅
- UK: I am organising my schedule for next week. ✅
Common Mistakes
- Mixing -ize and -ise spellings in one document ❌
- Using organise in an American publication ❌
- Forgetting spelling consistency in exams or formal writing ❌
Correct Examples:
- I am organizing my files. ✅
- She is organising the charity event. ✅
Incorrect Examples:
- I am organising in a US report ❌
- She is organizing in a UK newspaper ❌
Everyday Examples of Organizing / Organising
Professional & Work Context
- I am organizing a virtual workshop for employees. ✅
- She is organising a seminar at the university. ✅
Social Media & Blogging
- I spent Sunday organising my travel photos. ✅
- He is organizing his blog posts for next week. ✅
Academic & Exams
- Students must organise their study schedule before exams. ✅
- He organized his notes efficiently for IELTS writing. ✅
Synonyms of Organizing / Organising
- Arranging
- Coordinating
- Planning
- Structuring
- Managing
Examples:
- She is coordinating the team meeting. ✅
- He is structuring his notes for easy reference. ✅
Important Concepts Explained
Organising Secretary
- A professional role often seen in clubs, associations, or committees.
- Responsibilities include planning meetings, coordinating events, and managing communications.
Example:
- The Organising Secretary arranged all the logistics for the conference. ✅
Organising an Event
- Planning, coordinating, and managing all aspects of an event.
- Example:
- UK: She is organising an event for the local community. ✅
- US: She is organizing an event for the local community. ✅
- Steps usually include: invitations, venue, logistics, schedules, and follow-ups.
Organising Stuff
- Refers to tidying, arranging, or systematically managing objects or materials.
- Examples:
- He is organising his stuff before moving to a new apartment. ✅
- I spent the weekend organizing my files on the computer. ✅
Tip: This is commonly used in informal or everyday English.
FAQs
- What is the meaning of Organizing or Organising?
- Arranging, planning, or coordinating tasks or events systematically.
- What is the difference between Organizing and Organising?
- Organizing → American English
- Organising → British English
- Can you use Organised in IELTS?
- Yes, both spellings are accepted. Consistency is key.
- What does Organising an event mean?
- Planning, coordinating, and managing all aspects of an event.
- What is an Organising Secretary?
- A person responsible for coordinating events, meetings, and communications in a committee or club.
- Is Organising stuff informal?
- Yes, it’s commonly used in everyday life to describe tidying or arranging objects.
- Does Oxford Dictionary prefer Organize or Organise?
- Both are correct; spelling depends on regional English variant.
Conclusion
The choice between organizing and organising depends entirely on your English variant.
Use organizing / organized for American English and organising / organised for British or Commonwealth English. Consistency is essential in exams, professional writing, and publications.
From planning events, arranging tasks, managing daily life, to professional roles like Organising Secretary, knowing the correct spelling ensures clarity, professionalism, and credibility.
In IELTS or other English exams, sticking to one form shows your mastery of spelling conventions.
Final verdict: Both spellings are correct. Use organizing in the US and organising in the UK, Australia, and other Commonwealth countries.
Ensure consistency throughout your writing for maximum clarity and professionalism.
George Orwell offers thoughtful reflections and spiritual insights at PrayersPure.com, guiding readers toward faith, clarity, and meaningful prayer.
