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Tip of the Week

Is it offense or offence?

This tip is taken from our Writing Tips collection.

offence, offense, offensive

Canadian sources prefer the British spelling offence to the American spelling offense, but both are acceptable:

  • The best defence is a good offence.
  • Jackie was convicted of three offenses under the Highway Traffic Act.

Offensive, however, is always spelled with an s:

  • Would you find it offensive to be described as "a woman of a certain age"? Yes, I would.