Practise and Practice

Let's get this right, people - one is a verb and one is a noun or adjective. Practice, written with the letter 'c', is a noun or adjective, and practise, written with the letter 's', is a verb. Here are two sentences which demonstrate how to use both words.

"I am not playing well so I need to attend more practice (adjective) sessions, so that I can practise more (verb), as I am really short on practice (noun)." And another sentence: "We should make a practice (noun) of planning to practise more so we can be the best in our practice (noun)."

Excuse My Excuse

Though they are spelt the same way, there are two forms: one is a verb (pronounced with a 'z' sound at the end, and one is a noun, pronounced with an 's' sound. The noun form is pronounced 'eks-kyuus' - as in "That is not a good excuse," and the verb form is pronounced 'eks-kyuuz' - as in "Excuse me, please."

The Wordsmith hears the broadcasters almost daily say that Mr So and So was making an "eks-yuuz". That is incorrect. Here's a sentence with both: "Excuse (eks-kyuuz) me, but there is no excuse (eks-kyuus) for that behaviour."

For questions and comments, email: the speechcoach_ja @yahoo.com.