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Important notice

Writing Tips has been archived and won’t be updated before it is permanently deleted.

For the most up-to-date content, please consult Writing Tips Plus, which combines content from Writing Tips and The Canadian Style. And don’t forget to update your bookmarks!

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To begin your search, go to the alphabetical index below and click on the first letter of the word you are searching for.

favour, favourable, favouritism

In such words as favour, Canadians generally prefer the British ending ‑our to the American ending –or (as in favor).

  • Union members voted 92% in favour of accepting the new contract.

Words formed from the root favour are also usually written with the ‑our spelling in Canada.

  • Paola wore her best suit to the interview, hoping to make a favourable impression.
  • Charlottetown is the favourite destination of many Quebecers.
  • A governor general is not permitted to show any political favouritism.