"Practice" vs "Practise": British English Rule for Exams
Practice vs practise — the British noun-verb distinction, why American English uses only one form, and what Indian exams expect.
British English keeps them separate. American English uses one form for both. Indian English follows British conventions — so for exams, you need to know the difference.
- Practice = noun. “Daily practice is essential.” “The doctor’s practice.”
- Practise = verb. “I practise every day.” “She practises piano.”
You need more practice. (noun)
I practise English every morning. (verb)
The practice of meditation is beneficial. (noun)
He practises law. (verb)
American English uses “practice” for both noun and verb:
“I practice every day.” (AmE) = “I practise every day.” (BrE)
“Daily practice is key.” (both AmE and BrE)
Indian English follows British conventions. In formal writing and exams:
- Noun → practice
- Verb → practise
| Noun (-c) | Verb (-s) |
|---|---|
| practice | practise |
| advice | advise |
| licence | license |
| Incorrect (BrE) | Correct (BrE) |
|---|---|
| I need more practise. | I need more practice. (noun) |
| Daily practise is important. | Daily practice is important. (noun) |
| I practice daily. | I practise daily. (verb) |
- _____ makes perfect. (noun)
- I _____ yoga every morning. (verb)
- She needs more _____ in writing. (noun)
- He _____ medicine. (verb)
- The football _____ was cancelled. (noun)
- Practice (noun)
- practise (verb)
- practice (noun)
- practises (verb)
- practice (noun)
- British English: practice = noun, practise = verb.
- American English: practice = both noun and verb.
- Indian exams: Follow British convention — noun = practice, verb = practise.