Charleygirl5
A lot depends on where and when people are taught. I can spell, and mental arithmetic is second nature to me, but nothing beyond that for the latter. I was educated in Scotland during the late 40s and early 50s, and it was hammered into us, literally. Are children taught times tables now?
One word flummoxes me, and that is practise/pracice. Any bright suggestions please?
@#£%&
charlygirl5
I haven't read further to see if anyone has answered thjs so far, but it is easy to remember if you compare it to advice/advise.
Advice and practice, spelt with a "c" and pronounced with a voiceless "s" (ssss) are the nouns. You give advice, or hear it or take it. But you can't "advice" someone.
The verbs are advise and practise. Both spelt with an "s". Unfortunately the "s" in practise is pronounced the same as for the noun. BUT if you refer in your head back to "advise" with the "zzz" sound, you can remind yourself that the verb practise is spelt with an "s".
Verb:
I practise the piano every day.
She became proficient at several conjuring tricks by practising regularly.
The pharmacist advises customers on suitable medication.
Noun:
I didn't have time for piano practice on Christmas day.
I was late for hockey practice last Tuesday.
Practice makes perfect.
The practice of kissing under the mistletoe originated centuries ago.
When I was expecting my first baby I was confused by all the contradictory advice people gave me.
Of course, if you're American, you don't have to differentiate. They use the "practice" version for verb and noun.
