PRACTICE makes PERFECT - What is the difference between 'PRACTICE' and 'PRACTISE' in English

There is an interesting phrase in English that expresses how important it is to do something again and again,

over and over, to the point where it becomes easy to carry out or do.

The phrase is... ‘Practice makes perfect’.

This phrase is often said to someone who is learning something, or wishes to improve their skill at doing a particular thing.

Whatever it is you are trying to achieve.

Practising is the best way to reach your goal.

Whilst we are on the subject, there is a common confusion that arises concerning the use and spelling of the word ‘practise’.

It is possible to spell this word with a ‘c’ as the seventh letter, or with an ‘s’ as the seventh letter.

This difference can cause a lot of confusion, even for native English speakers.

So, what are the differences?

Well, I will tell you.

In British English, there are two variations of the spelling of the word ‘practise’.

When it is spelt with an ‘s’ near the end, we are expressing the verb form of the word.

The doing of something, so as to improve the skill level.

You practise speaking English, you practise your pronunciation.

This spelling of the word expresses the verb.

In British English, when we put the letter ‘c’ near the end of the word, we are expressing the noun.

You are naming the action.

The practice of meditating in the morning.

The practice of memorising new words.

A place where something is carried out, such as a medical practice or a dental practice.

The difference in spelling allows us to see that the word is being used in different ways.

In American English, the word is always spelt with a ‘c’, no matter how it is being expressed, either as a noun or a verb.

It is still spelt with a ‘c’.

So to summarise, British English practise is a verb.

Practice is a noun.

In American English, practice with a ‘c’ near the end is used for expressing both a noun and verb.

Now... Off you go and have fun learning English.

Ta ta for now.