The difference between practice and practise

“practice” and “practise” have the same pronunciation.

Pronunciation:   /ˈpræk.tɪs/

These two words cause confusion because there is a big difference between American English and British English.

American English

In American English, there is only one word: “practice” (with a “c“)
“practice” in American English can act as a noun and a verb. (see examples below)
“practise” (with an “s“) is not a word in American English.

British English

In British English, both words exist:
“practice” (with a “c“) is a noun.
“practise” (with an “s“) is a verb. “practise” exists only in British English.

Practice as a noun

As mentioned above, “practice” can be used as a noun in both American and British English.

Meaning 1:
The act of doing something regularly to improve your skill.
Something that is done regularly. 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 needs a lot of 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:
to be performing badly because you are badly prepared.
to be in need of more practice.
Example:
I lost the tennis match because I was out of practice.

Expression: “Practice makes perfect”
Meaning:
We say this to encourage someone to work harder.
Example:
Teacher: “Try again, Mark. Don’t forget that practice makes perfect!”

Let’s now look at verbs.

Practice and practise as a verb

Reminder:
American English only: “practice” can also act as a verb.
British English only: The verb is spelt “practise” (with an “s“)

Meaning 1 as a verb:
to do something regularly to improve your 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 do something regularly. 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 needs a lot of 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 do something regularly to improve your 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 is a gerund. A gerund 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

American English: practice is also a verb
British English: practise is a verb

Examples:
Jane practices the piano every week. (American English)
Jane practises the piano every week. (British English)

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