The number of homophones in the English language is one reason English is such a complicated language. Homophones are words that sound similar but have separate meanings.
In British English, ‘practise’ is used as a verb, whereas ‘practice’ is used as a noun. However, in American English, ‘practice’ is used both as a verb and a noun. Using practice as both the noun and verb forms, ‘Practise’ and ‘Practice’ look very similar but their meaning is very different. Several other English words ending in ‘-ice’ and ‘-I’ can be confusing for English learners.
I’ll share some of the best tricks for remembering the difference between them. By the end of this blog post, you should be about to grasp the difference between ‘Practice’ and ‘Practise’.
‘Practice’ as a noun
In American English, ‘practice’ is used as a verb. It means “to do things regularly to master it” or “to pursue as an occupation or art.” So a churchgoer can practice their religion like a student practice the violin. As a noun, ‘practice’ means a “habit or way” (as in a religious custom). It can also mean “repeated exercise to acquire a skill” (e.g., practice makes perfect) or “the chasing of a profession” (e.g., He just retired from his medical practice).
British and American English uses this noun insight of ‘practice’.
The noun practice can mean a drill or run-through, doing something, or habitual action.
It can also indicate an office pertaining to certain professionals – such as a doctor’s practice, a lawyer’s practice, or the dentist’s practice.
Examples
1. She was skilled in the practice of law.
2. I need a practice session before my piano recital.
3. I went to the local medical practice to see a doctor for my throat infection.
4. I want to improve our workplace practices so that we can create a friendlier work environment.
5. She manages a Law practice’ and ‘its common practice’ (practice is a noun).
6. His father joined him and handed him his wooden practice sword.
It’s also accepted as an adjective, such as in ‘Linda took a practice shot.’
‘Practise’ as a verb
In British English, the verb form of the word is purified as “practise”. In earlier cases, churchgoers “practise” their religion, while student “practises” their instrument. This rule is valid for British, Canadian, and Australian English. The verb “practise” means performing to improve, carry out, or be engaged in a particular occupation. So you might “practise” scales on the piano, or “practise” law.
Examples
1. I want to practise English so that I can become a confident speaker.
2. I practise cricket for one hour every day because I have an exam next month.
3. He settled in Amsterdam, intending to practise medicine.
4. He sat down to practise scales on the piano.
5. She has been practising law for three years.
The bottom line
In summary, the difference is from the location where it is used. In American English, practice is used as both a noun and a verb. In British, Canadian, and Australian English, practice is a noun and practise is a verb.
How can you use this?
Whether you use practice or practise, be mindful of which English you are writing in. If you are writing in American English because you prefer it or because you are writing for Americans, make sure you are consistently using practice and do not change it. You will also need to remember to use all American English rules and never mix the rules with British English.
The best way to practice any English exercise is to do it consistently. If you prefer to use British English, create 5 examples of both practice and practise so that you can train your subconscious to know the difference.
