Practice: repeat to improve

The idea

In American English the verb is practice: practice speaking. British English usually spells the verb practise, while the noun is practice in both varieties.

Examples

• I practice speaking English with a friend.
• She practices the new words every morning.
• We practiced asking for directions.
• They practice together after class.
• He needs time to practice the song.
• Do you practice writing in English?

Watch out

After the verb, use an -ing form for an activity: practice speaking, not practice to speak.

Try it yourself

1. Choose the -ing form naming the activity. I practice ___ English with a friend. (speaking / to speak)

   Show answer or example answer

   speaking

   Speaking is the -ing form naming the activity.

2. Choose the American English past form. In American English: yesterday we ___ asking for directions. (practiced / practices)

   Show answer or example answer

   practiced

   Practiced is the American English past form of the verb.

3. Choose the usual British English spelling of the verb. In British English: we ___ speaking every day. (practise / practice)

   Show answer or example answer

   practise

   In British English the verb is usually spelled practise.

Use it today

Describe a skill you practice and say how often you practice it.