In practice means in reality, as things actually work: the plan looks simple, but in practice the doorway slows everyone down. It's usually paired with in theory or with a plan, rule or promise: one thing on paper, another in real life. It can be neutral too: let's see how it works in practice.
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In practice, + actual result / work or happen + in practice
- The layout looks simple, but in practice the narrow doorway slows everyone down.
- We tested how the new timetable works in practice.
- In practice, most visitors enter through the side gate.
What changed
First versionIn practise, the two teams share the same storage room.
RevisionIn practice, the two teams share the same storage room.
British English has both practice and practise, and even native speakers confuse them. Practice is the noun; practise is the British verb meaning to train. This phrase needs the noun, so in practice is spelled with c in every variety of English.
In theory is how it should work on paper; in practice is how it turned out: in theory it takes ten minutes, in practice half an hour. Put into practice means start using an idea: we put the idea into practice.
Your turn
Choose the noun spelling used in both British and American English: The plan works in ___.
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practice — After in, this phrase uses the noun practice, spelled with c in both British and American English. Practise with s is the British verb.
Compare how something was planned, such as a timetable, a rule or a schedule, with how it actually works. Use in practice.
The booking form allows ten people per session, but in practice eight fit comfortably.
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