Practice vs Practise: Which One Do You Need?
In British English, practice is the noun and practise the verb. American English uses practice for both.
Piano practice. I need to practise.
The test that settles it
Same pattern as advice / advise. The c word is a thing; the s word is an action.
“an hour of ___” → a thing, so practice.
“I must ___ more” → an action, so practise.
If you can put a or the in front, it is the c spelling.
Practice: the noun
Repeated exercise, a customary way of doing something, or a professional business such as a doctor’s or solicitor’s.
Football practice is on Tuesday.
It is standard practice here.
She joined a legal practice.
Can you put the in front? Then practice.
Practise: the verb (British)
To do something repeatedly to improve, or to carry on a profession. In American spelling this is written practice too.
He practises every evening.
She practises medicine in Leeds.
They are practising for the concert.
Swap in rehearse or carry on. If it works, practise in British spelling.
Side by side
| Practice | Practise |
|---|---|
| Noun | Verb (British spelling) |
| Ends -ice | Ends -ise |
| Same in American English | American English writes practice |
| Choir practice | To practise scales |
The exceptions
American English abandoned the split and uses practice for both parts of speech. So I need to practice is correct in American writing and an error in British.
The same applies to licence / license, where American spelling uses license throughout.
A practised liar means a skilled one. British spelling keeps the s, because it is built on the verb.
Where people get it wrong
| Incorrect | Correct | Why |
|---|---|---|
| I need to practice my lines. (British) | I need to practise my lines. | A verb. |
| a practising practise | a practising practice | The noun for the business. |
| the practise of medicine | the practice of medicine | The means a noun. |
| practicing (British) | practising | British spelling keeps the s. |
Practice — choose the right word, then check yourself.
- She has a busy dental ___.
- You should ___ every day.
- It is common ___ in the trade.
- He is a ___ solicitor.
- Netball ___ was cancelled.
Show the answers
1. practice 2. practise 3. practice 4. practising 5. practice
Frequently asked
Which spelling should I use?
Follow your audience. British, Irish, Australian and Indian English keep the split; American English does not.
What other pairs follow this?
Advice / advise, device / devise, licence / license and prophecy / prophesy. Only the last two also change pronunciation.
More words people confuse
