practise vs practice
In UK English, practise with an s is the verb (to practise) and practice with a c is the noun (a practice). You practise the piano; the practice pays off. (US English uses practice for both.)
The difference
- practise (verb (UK)) — to do something repeatedly to improve
- practice (noun (UK)) — the act of practising; a habit or a business
Examples
- You should practise every day.
- Daily practice makes the difference.
How to remember
Advise/advice tells you which is which: like advise (verb), practise is the verb.
The common trap
In UK writing, 'I practice daily' — the verb takes an s: practise.
These distinctions are exactly what Word Meaning and Contextual Word Choice questions test. Read the Word Meaning guide or Contextual Word Choice guide, then practise the drill.