Is it spelled practice or practise?
Particular English verbs (and words belonging to other parts of speech), use different spellings based on regional spelling rules and preferences. The correct spelling of realize is one such case where the appropriate spelling depends on which style of English you’re using.
I practised the piano for two hours yesterday.
The doctor’s practice is located downtown.
I practice every day to improve my skills.
She practiced the song, and then she practised the dance routine.
Practice vs. practise: UK vs. US English
The word practice can function as a noun or a verb. In its verb form, to practice means to “do an activity or train regularly so that you can improve your skill”. As a noun practice is always spelled with a “c”, and refers to the time spent training/exercising a skill or ability.
- UK English spells “practise” with “-ise”.
- US English spells “practice” with “-ice”.
| UK English | US English |
| We had an extra practice session on Friday. | To be a good musician, you have to practise a lot. |
Words similar to “practice”/”practise”
Other forms of practice
Other verb forms of “practice” and “practise” follow the same spelling patterns; i.e., the present participle, practicing/ practising; practiced/practised. See the chart:
| UK English | practice, practiced, practicing, practices |
| US English | practise, practised, practising, practises |
Sentence examples with practice as a noun
We had an extra practice session on Friday.
It takes a lot of practice to play the violin well.
With practice you will become more skilled.
Sentences with practice/practice as a verb
I’ve had a lot of practice in saying ‘no’ recently!
The team is practicing for their big game on Friday.
They practiced the dance until it was perfect.
“practice” (noun) and “practise” (verb), associate “practice” with the noun form, and visualize “practise” with a verb, like practicing a musical instrument.
Examples of practice/practise in the media
Coach Brian Dutcher opted to rest legs over an extra day of prep on the floor, only watching film and not practicing Monday.
—Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Feb. 2024
Fortunately, live games are classic games, and there are virtual versions available to practice; so, the only difference will be the presence of real players.
—Sponsored Content, The Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2024
And testers did note that the zipper lock has a learning curve, so buyers should make time to practice before using it on a trip.
—Chris Abell, Travel + Leisure, 5 Feb. 2024
That’s why the first step is to practice more empathy and less eye-rolling.
—Tatum Hunter, Washington Post, 26 Jan. 2024
Synonyms of practice
- rehearse
- rehearsal
- trial
- exercise
- drill
- refine
- perfect
- study
- repeat
- train
- prepare
Phrases with the word practice
- best practice
- practice makes perfect
- family practice
- group/team practice
- private practice
- to get in/out of practice
Etymology of the word ‘practice’
Late 14c., practisen, “to follow or employ” a course of action; c. 1400, “to do, put into action or practice;” from Old French pratiser, practiser “to practice,” alteration of practiquer, from Medieval Latin practicare “to do, perform, practice,” from Late Latin practicus “practical,” from Greek praktikos “practical”
Learn more about US English vs. UK English
- Which is it: “Favorite” or “Favourite”?
- Is it Spelled Metre or Meter?
- Which is Correct: Honour or Honor?
- Is it “Behaviour” or “Behavior”?
- Is it “Labour” or “Labor”?
- Color or Colour (Which is Correct?)
- Favour or Favor (Which is Correct?)
Sources
- Definition of private practice noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner’s
- Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Feb. 2024, “Game Preview Ranked…”
Work Sheet
According to the post, how is the noun form of the word always spelled in both US and UK English?
In UK English, how is the verb meaning “to train or exercise a skill” spelled?
What is the correct spelling for the verb meaning “to train or exercise a skill” in US English?
If you were writing in UK English, what is the correct past tense form of the verb meaning “to train or exercise”?
Which of the following sentences correctly uses the verb spelling according to US English rules mentioned in the post?
It takes a lot of to play the violin well.
In UK English, you must a lot to be a good musician.
Fortunately, there are virtual versions available to the games before playing (US English).
Yesterday, she the piano for two hours (UK English).
The team is for their big game on Friday (US English).
Frequently Asked Questions
How is practice spelled as a noun?
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What’s the verb spelling in UK English?
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What’s the verb spelling in US English?
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How are other verb forms spelled?
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Can I mix practice and practise?
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Yash, D. "Is “Practice” or “Practise” the Correct Spelling?." Grammarflex, Jun 20, 2025, https://www.grammarflex.com/is-practice-or-practise-the-correct-spelling/.
