Improviser vs. Improvisor

[bradisntclever]

Is there one spelling you prefer over the other? I've long been a fan of improviser, but I see -or used from time to time in press releases as well.

Apparently, Merriam-Webster is fine with either spelling of the word. I've noticed that a lot of dictionaries don't seem to include the -or spelling.

Google returns ~62,800 results for "improvisor".
However, it returns ~632,000 results for "improviser".

Improvisors = ~107,000 results
Improvisers = ~237,000 results

What's your thought on the matter? Is it something that keeps you up all night?

[arthursimone]

an improviser does good scenes
an improvisor is shitty



also, no spell check recognizes -or

[Jeff]

improviser = someone who improvises

improvisor = someone who does not endorse these:

[DollarBill]

For some reason my natural inclination is to use "or" but spell check has beaten me into submission over the years.

I still think "or" is more correct. Like conductor, director, orator, improvisatorist.

[kaci_beeler]

I always use "improviser".

[Roy Janik]

I always use "er", but I don't care if someone spells it the other way.

[Pdyx]

Advertiser
Exerciser
Improviser

I like "er", it seems more correct.

[Rev. Jordan T. Maxwell]

honestly, i can't even remember which one i use anymore. but -or LOOKS better to me, while -er flows more easily from my fingers when i try typing the two.

if -or is less common, i think i'm going to start using that.

i also use the -re version of theatre. :p

[beardedlamb]

i like to use improvver because with some fonts it looks like imprower and causes confusion.
however, when i say the word, i'm using the 'or' spelling.

[Rev. Jordan T. Maxwell]

i DO think we should start referring to improv instructors, teachers and directors as improviziers...

[sara farr]

Improv actor or Impro actor?

[Jeff]

edit: I'm just sticking with my "visor" comment in this thread.

[arthursimone]

Ugh. I wish that stuff didn't bother me, but it does.

Its always frustrating when their so wrong!

[mpbrockman]

Ugh. I wish that stuff didn't bother me, but it does.

Its always frustrating when their so wrong!

Your soooo right.

Personally, I go with Bill on this. "or" is more natural to me but spellcheck is wearing me down.

Incidentally, ever notice that spellcheck calls out spellcheck unless you divide it into two words?

[Rev. Jordan T. Maxwell]

Improv actor or Impro actor?

i grew up hearing and saying improv, so impro still seems very strange to me (case in point: typing that sentence out, my fingers unconsciously added a "v" to "impro" and i had to go back and delete it...and again, just then, typing it again. lol!).