4 Spelling

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FAO applies the following spelling rules:

words ending in <correct-text>-re<correct-text>/<incorrect-text>-er<incorrect-text>
prefer <correct-text>-re: centre, calibre, theatre<correct-text>
words ending in <correct-text>-our<correct-text>/<incorrect-text>-or<incorrect-text>
prefer <correct-text>-our: colour, labour, behaviour<correct-text>
words ending in <correct-text>-ence<correct-text>/<incorrect-text>-ense<incorrect-text>
prefer <correct-text>-ence<correct-text> (for nouns): <correct-text>defence, offence, licence<correct-text> (but spell the verb <correct-text>to license<correct-text>)
words ending in <correct-text>-l<correct-text> and followed by a suffix
prefer <correct-text>-ll<correct-text> (not <incorrect-text>-l<incorrect-text>): <correct-text>traveller, counselled, modelling<correct-text>
words ending in <correct-text>-ize<correct-text>/<incorrect-text>-ise<incorrect-text>
prefer <correct-text>-ize: organize, realize, theorize<correct-text>
words ending in <correct-text>-yse<correct-text>/<incorrect-text>-yze<incorrect-text>
prefer <correct-text>-yse: analyse, catalyse, paralyse<correct-text>

Exceptions to these rules include:

words that appear in proper names (e.g. <correct-text>Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development<correct-text> or <correct-text>Center for Global Development<correct-text>); and
quoted material, which should appear as originally written.

When in doubt about the correct spelling to use, refer to Appendix 2 List of recommended words. This list is not comprehensive, so for words not included, use the first spelling listed in the Oxford English Dictionary (OED).

Aim for consistency. Where alternative spellings and terms are available, ensure that usage is consistent within the same publication.

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