Understanding the Correct Use of 'Practise'

This question asks us to identify the sentence where the word 'practise' is used correctly. To do this, we need to understand the difference between 'practise' and 'practice'. These two words are often confused because they sound similar but have different grammatical functions, especially in British English (which appears to be the context here based on the correct answer). In British English:

• Practise (with 's') is a verb. It means to do something repeatedly to become skilled at it, or to carry out a habit or custom.
• Practice (with 'c') is a noun. It means the actual application of an idea, a habit, a custom, or the repeated performance of an activity to improve skill.

Let's look at each sentence provided and determine if 'practise' is used correctly as a verb or if 'practice' should have been used as a noun.

Analyzing Each Sentence for 'Practise' Usage

Sentence 1 Analysis: Common Practise

The sentence is: "It is common practise to greet friends during festivals."

In this sentence, the word 'practise' refers to a common custom or habit. A custom or habit is a thing, which means it functions as a noun in this context. Therefore, the correct word should be 'practice' (the noun).

Incorrect Usage: 'practise' is used where the noun 'practice' is needed.

Sentence 2 Analysis: Academics' Practise

The sentence is: "It has been the practise of academics to recommend students for higher studies."

Here, 'practise' refers to a habit or custom followed by academics. Again, a habit or custom is a noun. The structure "the practise of academics" clearly indicates a noun is required.

Incorrect Usage: 'practise' is used where the noun 'practice' is needed.

Sentence 3 Analysis: Neighbour's Practise

The sentence is: "What is the particular practise of your neighbours that you are objecting to?"

Similar to the previous sentences, 'practise' refers to a specific habit or custom of the neighbours. This is a noun usage.

Incorrect Usage: 'practise' is used where the noun 'practice' is needed.

Sentence 4 Analysis: Importance to Practise

The sentence is: "It is important to practise regularly to ensure good performance on match day."

In this sentence, 'practise' follows the word 'to', indicating it is the infinitive form of a verb. The sentence talks about the action of doing something repeatedly (practising) to improve performance. This is the correct use of 'practise' as a verb.

Correct Usage: 'practise' is used correctly as a verb.

Conclusion on Correct 'Practise' Usage

Based on the analysis, only sentence 4 uses 'practise' correctly as a verb. The other sentences require the noun form 'practice' to refer to a custom, habit, or the act of practising itself (as a concept).

Revision Table: Practise vs Practice

Additional Information: Practise and Practice Spelling Differences

It's important to note that the distinction between 'practise' (verb) and 'practice' (noun) is standard in British English. However, in American English, 'practice' is used for both the noun and the verb form. For example, in American English, you would say "It is important to practice regularly" (verb) and "He needs more practice" (noun). This question uses the British English convention.

Understanding this spelling difference based on regional variations is crucial for correct usage in different contexts.