is practising

USAGE SUMMARY

"is practicing" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe an action that is currently ongoing or recurring in the present tense. Example: Sarah is practicing her guitar every day to prepare for the upcoming talent show.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Madonna is practising yoga.

The Guardian - Books

Everyone from Google to the NHS is practising mindfulness.

The Guardian

Anyone who claims otherwise is practising voodoo economics.

The New York Times

Down by the lake, a saxophone is practising.

The Guardian - Music

He is practising his flute when I arrive.

The Guardian - Books

This seems a bare-faced fib, until he explains that he is practising for pool trials.

The Guardian

Harold, who has returned from the dead or New Zealand, is practising the tuba.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Shorten is practising his modus operandi for the new political contest.

The Guardian

But some of her colleagues within the Royal College have questioned whether she is "practising what she preaches" against competition.

The Guardian

As Screwtape observes, "At the very moment of indulging her appetite she believes that she is practising temperance".

The New Yorker

An executive is practising tai chi by the cactus garden, while another jiggles in a robotic massage chair nearby.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an ongoing action aimed at improving a skill, use "is practising" to convey continuous effort and dedication.

Common error

Ensure you're using the correct spelling based on your audience. "Practising" is common in British English, while "practicing" is standard in American English. Using the wrong spelling can detract from your writing's credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is practising" functions as the present continuous tense of the verb 'to practise'. Ludwig AI confirms that it describes an action that is currently in progress or a habitual action. It indicates an ongoing effort or activity aimed at improvement or preparation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is practising" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, predominantly in British English, to denote an ongoing action aimed at skill improvement. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage. While "is practicing" serves as its American English counterpart, using the appropriate spelling is essential for maintaining credibility. Its presence across various domains, from news to academia, underscores its versatility. Remember to consider context when choosing among alternatives such as "is rehearsing" or "is training". This phrase empowers clear and precise communication, emphasizing the dedication and effort involved in honing skills.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is rehearsing

This alternative replaces 'practising' with 'rehearsing', implying preparation for a performance.

is training

This alternative emphasizes skill development through repeated exercise or instruction.

is learning

This alternative suggests gaining knowledge or skill through study or experience.

is studying

This alternative focuses on the act of acquiring knowledge, often in a formal setting.

is honing skills

This alternative highlights the refinement of existing abilities.

is working on

This alternative indicates effort being put into improving something.

is getting better at

This alternative describes a process of gradual improvement.

is developing

This alternative emphasizes the growth or advancement of a particular skill or ability.

is perfecting

This alternative suggests striving for flawless execution or mastery.

is preparing

This alternative is broader, suggesting readiness for a future event or task, but not necessarily implying skill improvement.

FAQs

How do I use "is practising" in a sentence?

Use "is practising" to describe an ongoing effort to improve a skill or activity. For example: "She is practising her piano piece" or "He is practising his free throws".

What are some alternatives to "is practising"?

You can use alternatives like "is rehearsing", "is training", or "is learning" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "is practising" and "is practicing"?

"Is practising" is the British English spelling, while "is practicing" is the American English spelling. They have the same meaning but differ in spelling convention.

Is it grammatically correct to say "is practising"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. It's the present continuous tense of the verb 'to practise', commonly used in British English.