“practice” and “practise” are pronounced the same.
Pronunciation: /ˈpræk.tɪs/
These two words can cause confusion due to the differences between American English and British English.
American English
In American English, there is only one word: “practice” (with a “c“). This word can function as both a noun and a verb. On the other hand, “practise” (with an “s“) is not a word in American English.
British English
In British English, both “practice” (with a “c“) and “practise” (with an “s“) exist. “Practice” is used as a noun, while “practise” is used as a verb, and it is exclusive to British English.
Practice as a noun
In both American and British English, “practice” can be used as a noun.
Meaning 1: The act of regularly doing something to improve a skill or a habit, tradition, or custom.
Examples:
I need some writing practice for the English exam.
I am going to football practice tonight.
It is common practice to give gifts at Christmas.
Meaning 2: A job or business that requires extensive training.
Examples:
She’s a doctor at a private medical practice.
Mark works for a large legal practice in London.
Expressions with practice as a noun
Expression: to be out of practice
Meaning: Performing poorly due to lack of preparation or needing more practice.
Example: I lost the tennis match because I was out of practice.
Expression: “Practice makes perfect”
Meaning: Encouraging someone to work harder.
Example: Teacher: “Try again, Mark. Don’t forget that practice makes perfect!”
Let’s now explore the verbs.
Practice and practise as a verb
Reminder: In American English, “practice” can also be used as a verb, while in British English, the verb form is “practise” (with an “s“).
Meaning 1 as a verb: To regularly do something to improve a skill.
Examples:
I must practice my French before I go to Paris. (American English)
I must practise my French before I go to Paris. (British English)
Jane practices the piano every week. (American English)
Jane practises the piano every week. (British English)
Meaning 2 as a verb: To engage in something regularly as a habit, tradition, or custom.
Example:
David practices his religion every day. (American English)
David practises his religion every day. (British English)
Meaning 3 as a verb: To work in a job or business that requires extensive training.
Example:
He practiced as a dentist for 20 years. (American English)
He practised as a dentist for 20 years. (British English)
Common structures with practice and practise as a verb
practice + ing verb (American English)
practise + ing verb (British English)
Meaning: To regularly do something to improve a skill.
Examples:
He is practicing catching a ball. (American English)
He is practising catching a ball. (British English)
They are practicing fishing. (American English)
They are practising fishing. (British English)
In this context, the ing form of the verb functions as a gerund, which is a verb acting as a noun.
Summary
Noun
practice is a noun in both American and British English.
Example: I need more practice before I take the exam.
Verb
In American English, practice can also function as a verb, while in British English, practise is the verb form.
Examples:
Jane practices the piano every week. (American English)
Jane practises the piano every week. (British English)
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