The words “practise” and “practice” are used interchangeably, but there is a difference between the two. While they sound similar and are related in meaning, they have different spellings and functions in a sentence.
Meaning of Practise
Practise is a verb that means to perform an activity or skill repeatedly or regularly to improve or maintain proficiency. It can also refer to the act of training or exercising in a particular skill or activity.
Usage of Practise
- Used as a verb and it is also followed by a specific activity or skill that is being practiced.
- Used in the present tense, but it can also be used in the past tense.
Examples of Practise
- She is practicing driving to get her license.
- I practise yoga daily.
- She wants to practise speaking Spanish.
- He is practicing his golf swing.
- The team is practicing their penalty shots.
- She practices piano for two hours a day.
Meaning of Practice
Practice is a noun that refers to the act of performing an activity or skill regularly or repeatedly to improve or maintain proficiency. It can also refer to the actual application or implementation of a skill or activity in real-life situations.
Usage of Practice
- Used as a noun, and it can be used in various contexts.
- Refer to a specific skill or activity that is being practiced or refer to the act of practicing in general.
Examples of Practice
- He has a medical practice in the city.
- She needs to go to driving practice.
- He is a lawyer in private practice.
- She has a busy dental practice.
- The football team had practice this morning.
Differences between Practise and Practice
| Practise | Practice |
| Verb | Noun |
| Refers to the act of practicing or training | Refers to the application or implementation of a skill or activity |
| Usually used in the present tense | Used in various tenses |
| Followed by a specific activity or skill | Used in various contexts |
| Refers to the process of learning or improving a skill | Refers to the result of the process of practicing |
| Implies repetition or routine | Implies application or execution |
| Spelled with an ‘s’ in British English | Spelled with a ‘c’ in American and British English |
| Refer to the physical act of practicing | Refer to the abstract concept of practicing |
| Used to describe an ongoing process | Used to describe a completed process |
| Indicates the act of training for a specific purpose | Indicates the performance of a specific task |
| Used in the active voice | Used in both the active and passive voice |
| Focuses on the process of improvement | Focuses on the outcome or result |
| Implies a deliberate effort to improve | Implies a habitual or established routine |
| Refers to the action of doing something repeatedly to improve | Refers to the activity or occupation of a professional |
| Associated with skill-building and personal growth | Associated with professional or business activities |
Conclusion
In conclusion, “practise” and “practice” are two words that may look similar but have distinct meanings and usage. Understanding the differences between these two words is important for effective communication.