practice patience

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "practice patience" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used when describing how to deal with difficult situations or to encourage someone to be more tolerant of others. For example: "Whenever things don't go your way, remember to practice patience - it will serve you well in life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

BREWERS of barrel-aged sour beer take risks and practice patience.

The New York Times - Food

Use your travel time as an opportunity to practice patience and compassion.

The New York Times

"I have been forced to practice patience that would have put Job to shame.

The Washington Post

With their number reduced to 60 or so stalwarts, the conservatives say they have learned to make peace with Mr. Clinton's powerful veto pen, to compromise and practice patience, and to funnel money back home to protect themselves and the tenuous Republican hold on the House.

The New York Times

Leaders that are unable to practice patience will also find their careers short-lived.

Forbes

So listen to others, practice patience and try to understand their perspective so we can start bridging this divide.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Fehr is practicing patience.

The New York Times - Sports

"I have been practicing patience and I'm getting better at it all the time".

The New York Times

I started to read "Practicing Patience, a Virtue of Some Urgency," but I was unable to finish.

The New York Times - Science

The initiative is organized around three pillars of effective parenting: practicing patience, encouraging curiosity, and teaching through conversation.

Harvard University

As it turns out, practicing patience leads to a happier life too.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When facing setbacks or delays, consciously choose to "practice patience" as a means to maintain a positive attitude and make thoughtful decisions.

Common error

Avoid interpreting "practice patience" as simply waiting passively. It involves active engagement with a situation while maintaining a calm and composed demeanor, not inaction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "practice patience" functions as an imperative construction, commonly used to advise or encourage the cultivation of patience. Ludwig confirms its correctness and utility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Wiki

24%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Science

10%

Academia

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "practice patience" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that functions as an imperative, encouraging the cultivation of patience. As Ludwig confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, from formal advice to casual encouragement. While the phrase enjoys widespread use across domains like news, media, and self-help guides, it's important to remember that "practice patience" is not synonymous with passivity; it requires active engagement with a situation while maintaining composure. Understanding this distinction, as well as adopting conscious strategies for cultivating patience, can significantly enhance one's ability to navigate challenging circumstances effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cultivate patience

Replaces the verb "practice" with "cultivate", suggesting a more deliberate and ongoing effort.

develop patience

Uses "develop" to emphasize the gradual growth of patience as a skill or virtue.

exercise patience

Employs "exercise" to highlight the active application of patience in challenging situations.

show patience

Focuses on the outward demonstration of patience in one's actions and interactions.

learn patience

Highlights the acquisition of patience as a learned behavior or trait.

adopt a patient approach

Shifts from practicing patience as a personal attribute to adopting a patient strategy or method.

maintain composure

Implies patience as a component of remaining calm and collected under pressure.

be long-suffering

Suggests enduring difficulties with patience over an extended period.

keep your cool

Focuses on remaining calm and controlled, with patience as a key element.

demonstrate forbearance

Emphasizes tolerance and restraint, often in the face of provocation or delay.

FAQs

How can I "practice patience" in everyday situations?

You can "practice patience" by consciously pausing before reacting to frustrating situations, actively listening to others without interrupting, and focusing on long-term goals rather than immediate gratification.

What is the difference between "practice patience" and "exercise tolerance"?

"Practice patience" focuses on enduring delays or frustrations calmly, while "exercise tolerance" involves accepting differing opinions or behaviors without judgment.

What are some alternatives to "practice patience"?

You can use phrases like "cultivate patience", "develop patience", or "exercise patience" to convey a similar meaning.

Why is it important to "practice patience"?

"Practice patience" helps reduce stress, improve decision-making, and foster better relationships by promoting understanding and empathy.