In our last lesson we had examples of words in which the _s_ had the
soft sound, and also of words in which the _s_ had the sound of _z_. In
some English words, it is difficult to determine which sound to use.
There are a number of words in English beginning with _dis_. In a few of
the words, the _s_ has the sound of _z_, and in other words it has the
sound of _s_. There are only a few words which are pronounced with the
_diz_ sound. _Discern_, _dismal_ and _dissolve_ are always pronounced
with the _diz_ sound. _Disease_ and _disaster_ are pronounced both ways.
Some dictionaries give the _diz_ sound and some give the _dis_ sound.
The spelling lesson for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday contains a number
of words beginning with _dis_. Be sure of the pronunciation. Run through
the words in the dictionary beginning with the _dis_ sound and mark
those in which the _dis_ has the sound of _diz_.
We have also a number of words in the English language which end in
_ise_ or _ize_, and we are often confused to know which ending to use.
There is a rule, which has very few exceptions, which covers the use of
_ise_ and _ize_. Words should be spelled with the _ize_ ending when the
_ize_ can be cut off, and the word that is left can be used alone. For
example; _author_, _authorize_. In this word you can cut off the _ize_
and the word _author_ can be used alone. But in the word _exercise_, if
you cut off the _ise_, the remaining portion cannot be used alone.
_Recognize_ and _criticise_ are exceptions to this rule. When used as a
suffix added to a noun or adjective to form a verb, _ize_ is the proper
ending; as _theory_, _theorize_, _civil_, _civilize_, etc. Final _e_ or
_y_ is dropped before _ize_, as in the words _memorize_, _sterilize_,
etc.
The spelling lesson for Thursday, Friday and Saturday contains a number
of common words ending with _ize_ or _ise_. Study carefully this list
and add as many words to it as you can.
+Monday+
Disappear
Distress
Discern
Disburse
Discipline
+Tuesday+
Discount
Discredit
Distribute
Dismal
Disseminate
+Wednesday+
Disguise
Distance
Dissolve
Discontent
Disposition
+Thursday+
Franchise
Civilize
Surprise
Organize
Compromise
+Friday+
Monopolize
Revise
Legalize
Enterprise
Capitalize
+Saturday+
Memorize
Advertise
Theorize
Comprise
Systematize