As you already know, spelling is related to the correct way we spell words. It originated from another language existing in the past, as well as many other words existing in the Portuguese language, almost always coming from Greek or Latin. Therefore, its composition consists of two Greek radicals: ortho= right, right + right and fork = script + the noun-forming suffix “-ia”.
Another aspect related to it is the fact that there are specific rules for each case that we use in our daily life, that is, rules for the “x”, “ch”, “ss”, “ç”, among many others. So when it comes to written language, we cannot write in our own way, as there is a common system for all people, to which we must obey - called the formal standard of the language -, since it is from it that all the necessary norms for a writing of quality.
There is no denying that in certain situations we feel trapped by some doubts regarding the proper way to spell this or that word, mainly because some have identical sounds. However, as we develop the constant habit of reading, we are learning about the correct way and, in such a way, by the time we write, we are already experts in the subject. Therefore, to learn a little more, we will know the cases in which we use the letter “Z”. Are they:
# With some nouns that derive from adjectives:
acidity - derived from acid (word meaning a quality)
haughtiness - derived from haughty
certainty - derived from right
drunkenness - derived from drunkenness
cleaning - derived from clean...
# In suffixes (addition at the end of a word) that form augmentatives and diminutives:
canzarrão - dog augmentative
big man – man augmentative
little bird - short for bird
boy - short for boy...
But beware!!!
# When the primitive word already contains the letter “s”, the others that derive from it continue with “s”.
house - little house
table - table
pink - pink
# In the "-triz" suffixes forming feminine nouns:
actress
ambassador
Empress...
# In verbs ending in “-izar”, when the primitive word does not have “s”.
terrorize
update
save money
inspect...
By Vânia Duarte
Graduated in Letters
Kids School Team
