Practice and practise sound the same. In British English, practice is the noun (training, repetition) and practise is the verb: I need more practice, so I practise every day. In American English, practice is used for both. The trick for British spelling is advice and advise: c for the noun, s for the verb.
practice or practise — can you pick the right one?
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UK: practice (noun), practise (verb); US: practice (noun and verb); practise/practice doing
- In British English: We practise giving short presentations every Thursday.
- In American English: We practice giving short presentations every Thursday.
- Regular practice helps the group speak more confidently.
What changed
First versionIn British English: We need more practise before the concert.
RevisionIn British English: We need more practice before the concert.
The sentence is about practising, so the verb form feels right. But more practice needs a noun, and the British noun is spelled with c. That's correct in American English too.
Practice can also be a doctor's or lawyer's business: a dental practice. In American English practice is also the verb: We practice every Thursday. In an essay, pick one variety and stick to it: practised and practiced in the same text look careless.
Your turn
Use British spelling for the verb: I ___ reading the lines aloud.
Show the answer
practise — You need the British verb, and the British verb is spelled with s: practise. American practice would fit if the text were in American English.
Write how often you work on a particular skill. Use British spelling: practise for the verb.
In British English: I practise explaining technical ideas without using specialist terms.
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