Practice or Practise: What's the Difference? - Oxbridge Editing

The confusion between practice and practise is one that frequently arises for many English learners, particularly when writing in British English. While they may seem interchangeable, there is a distinct difference between the two. In this blog post, we’ll explore the key differences between practice and practise, how to use them correctly, and provide some helpful examples to clear up any confusion. If you’ve ever wondered whether you should use practice or practise in your writing, read on for a detailed explanation.

What Is the Difference Between Practice and Practise?

The main difference between practice and practise lies in their usage depending on whether you are writing in British or American English. British English maintains a clear distinction between the two, whereas American English uses the word practice for both noun and verb forms.

In British English:

• Practice is used as a noun.
• Practise is used as a verb.

In American English, however, practice is used as both a noun and a verb, meaning there’s no need to distinguish between the two. This is why, if you’re following American English conventions, you would always use practice regardless of whether it’s acting as a noun or verb.

1. Practice (Noun) – British Usage

In British English, practice is the noun form. It refers to the act of doing something regularly in order to improve your skill, or it can refer to a professional or business activity, especially in law, medicine, and other professional fields.

Examples of Practice as a Noun:

• She attends violin practice every day to improve her skills.
• The doctor runs his practice in central London.
• His legal practice has expanded in recent years.

As you can see, in these examples, practice refers to the activity of rehearsing or working within a professional capacity.

2. Practise (Verb) – British Usage

Practise is the verb form used in British English. It means to engage in an activity regularly to improve skills or proficiency in that activity.

Examples of Practise as a Verb:

• You need to practise your speech before the presentation tomorrow.
• He practises the piano every morning.
• Students should practise writing essays to improve their skills.

In these examples, practise describes the action of doing something repeatedly in order to master it.

3. Practice vs Practise: UK Examples

To understand the distinction more clearly, here are some examples comparing practice and practise in the British English context:

Practice (Noun):

• The practice of meditation can help reduce stress.
• He has an excellent practice as a therapist.

Practise (Verb):

• I need to practise my French before the trip.
• She practises yoga every evening to maintain flexibility.

Notice that practice refers to a noun (a specific activity or a professional setup), while practise refers to the action of doing something repeatedly to improve.

What About American English?

In American English, the confusion between practice and practise doesn’t exist. Regardless of whether the word is used as a noun or verb, practice is always the correct spelling. So, in American English, you would say:

• She needs to practice her guitar skills.
• His medical practice is located downtown.
• I’ll practice my speech before the event.

Practice vs Practise Difference in Other English Variants

If you’re writing in Australian English or Canadian English, you will find the same distinction as in British English, where:

• Practice is the noun form.
• Practise is the verb form.

However, in other countries where American English is more prevalent, you’ll see practice used for both noun and verb forms.

Why the Confusion Between Practice and Practise?

The confusion between practice and practise often arises due to the similarities in pronunciation and their use in different contexts. While British English insists on distinguishing the two, American English has simplified things by using one spelling for both forms. This discrepancy leads to challenges, especially for those who are unfamiliar with the British English conventions.

Moreover, with the globalisation of language and the influence of American media, many people mistakenly use practice instead of practise when writing in British English.

Common Mistakes with Practice and Practise

Since these words sound very similar, many people make mistakes by mixing them up. Here are some common errors and how to correct them:

• Incorrect: I will practice playing the guitar every day.
  Correct: I will practise playing the guitar every day. (verb form)
• Incorrect: The practise of yoga is beneficial.
  Correct: The practice of yoga is beneficial. (noun form)

It’s essential to remember the noun-verb distinction, especially in British English, where this rule is still actively followed.

How to Improve Your Use of Practice vs Practise

The best way to avoid mixing up practice and practise is to remember that one refers to an activity or business (noun), and the other refers to the action of doing something repeatedly (verb). Keep this distinction in mind whenever you’re writing in British English.

If you’re still unsure, check a dictionary or style guide for confirmation. Many grammar tools and software now automatically detect and highlight the incorrect use of practice and practise based on regional settings.

Also read: Affect vs Effect: What’s the Difference?

Conclusion: Practice vs Practise

Understanding the difference between practice and practise can seem tricky, but once you know the rules, it’s easy to apply them in your writing. In British English, practice is the noun and practise is the verb, whereas in American English, practice is used for both. By practising (pun intended!) the correct use of these words, you’ll ensure that your writing remains clear and accurate.

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