Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Correct usage of English verbs often presents challenges, particularly with words that appear similar but have distinct grammatical roles. The verbs ‘practice’ and ‘practise’ are a common source of confusion for English language learners and even native speakers. This stems from differences in their origins and how they evolved over time. Understanding these nuances is crucial for accurate and effective communication. The question asks us to identify the correct verb form to complete the sentence: "My teacher said that I need to (practice, practise) more."
Understanding ‘Practice’ and ‘Practise’
The difference between ‘practice’ and ‘practise’ lies in their part of speech. ‘Practice’ is primarily used as a noun, referring to the act of repeatedly performing an activity to improve skill. ‘Practise’ is used as a verb, meaning to repeatedly perform an activity to improve skill.
Origin and Evolution
The distinction originates from American and British English. Originally, both were spelled ‘practise’ as verbs and ‘practice’ as nouns. However, American English adopted ‘practice’ for both forms, while British English retained the distinction. This difference persists today.
Applying the Rule to the Question
In the given sentence, "My teacher said that I need to (practice, practise) more," the word required is a verb. The sentence expresses the need to do the activity of improving skill. Therefore, the correct form is ‘practise’. However, it's important to note that in American English, ‘practice’ would also be acceptable, though less formally correct in British English.
Illustrative Examples
- Noun (Practice): "Regular practice is essential for mastering any skill."
- Verb (Practise): "She needs to practise the piano every day."
Regional Variations
| English Variety | Noun | Verb |
|---|---|---|
| British English | practice | practise |
| American English | practice | practice |
While the distinction is becoming less rigid, particularly with the increasing influence of American English globally, maintaining the correct usage demonstrates a strong command of the language, especially in formal writing and examinations like the UPSC Mains.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the correct answer is ‘practise’ because the sentence requires a verb. The difference between ‘practice’ and ‘practise’ stems from their grammatical roles as noun and verb respectively, and historical variations between British and American English. While ‘practice’ is acceptable as both in American English, adhering to the British English convention of ‘practise’ as the verb demonstrates a higher level of linguistic precision.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.