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.
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 using the verb in different tenses with example sentences to memorize the correct forms.
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
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Sources
- Definition of private practice noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner’s
- Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Feb. 2024, “Game Preview Ranked…”
Worksheet
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