Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
practice swimming
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "practice swimming" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of engaging in swimming as a skill or activity to improve one's ability. Example: "To prepare for the upcoming competition, I need to practice swimming every day."
✓ Grammatically correct
Wiki
News & Media
Science
Alternative expressions(3)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
16 human-written examples
"We don't want him to swim slow in meets," he said, "so why would we have him practice swimming slow?" John Wooden, the legendary U.C.L.A. basketball coach, was known for fast-paced practices that reduced the need for aerobic training.
News & Media
A third line of arguing for the importance of swimming (apart from drowning prevention and health advancement) adheres to the civilising effect of the practice, swimming "is only practiced for fun, but also to cultivate civility" (Tímarit Hins íslenzka bókmentafélags 1904, p. 59) and thus a vital part of the civilising process in generating what Norbert Elias (1968) terms a 'second nature'.
Science
Regarding the GI tract, individuals who practice swimming exercise can present GI alterations [ 47]; however, the precise mechanism involved in these effects remains unclear.
Science
Practice swimming.
Wiki
Learn how and practice swimming.
Wiki
Go swimming and practice swimming silently.
Wiki
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
42 human-written examples
His father was his coach, and Al-Hussein practiced swimming in the Euphrates River, according to UNHCR.
News & Media
A pup, with guidance from its mother, practices swimming and diving for several weeks before it is able to reach the sea floor.
Wiki
Regardless, every time we went to a beach during this two-year period, I practiced swimming 15 minutes, upped it to 30 minutes, and then eventually swam for an hour in the ocean without gasping for air.
News & Media
Nerve damage from a practice swim made it difficult for her to read how she was reacting to the cold.
News & Media
She had her final practice swim in the Serpentine – which has been praised by the competitors for the cleanliness of its water – yesterday under the guidance of Mark Perry, Britain's open-water coach.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "practice swimming", specify the type of swimming (e.g., strokes, open water) to provide more context and clarity.
Common error
Avoid simply repeating swimming without focusing on technique. Effective practice involves drills, feedback, and targeted improvements, not just aimless repetition.
Source & Trust
79%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "practice swimming" functions as a verb phrase, where "practice" acts as a transitive verb taking "swimming" as its gerund direct object. As shown by Ludwig, it indicates the act of repeatedly performing the activity of swimming to improve one's skill.
Frequent in
Wiki
31%
News & Media
28%
Science
19%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
3%
Formal & Business
3%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "practice swimming" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that denotes the act of regularly swimming to improve one's skills. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions as a verb phrase and serves to encourage or describe the act of enhancing swimming abilities through consistent effort. While the phrase maintains a neutral register, focusing on technique is crucial for effective practice, as opposed to mere repetition. Related phrases such as "train in swimming" and "hone swimming skills" offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context. By understanding the best practices and avoiding common pitfalls, individuals can effectively incorporate "practice swimming" into their routines and reap the numerous benefits it offers.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
train in swimming
Focuses on systematic training rather than general practice.
rehearse swimming techniques
Implies a focus on perfecting specific techniques.
hone swimming skills
Emphasizes improving existing skills to a finer degree.
improve swimming abilities
Highlights the betterment of overall swimming capabilities.
develop swimming proficiency
Stresses the gradual development of skill and competence.
perfect swimming form
Centers on achieving flawless execution of swimming movements.
work on swimming
Suggests dedicating effort towards swimming in general.
drill swimming exercises
Focuses on repetitive exercises to improve technique.
undertake swimming practice
Adds a formal tone to the act of practicing swimming.
engage in swimming workouts
Highlights the physical exertion and training aspect.
FAQs
How can I incorporate "practice swimming" into my daily routine?
You can incorporate "practice swimming" by setting specific goals for each session, such as improving your stroke technique or increasing your endurance. Consistency is key, so aim for regular sessions, even if they're short.
What are the benefits of "practice swimming" regularly?
Regularly engaging in "practice swimming" enhances cardiovascular health, builds muscle strength, and improves lung capacity. It's also a low-impact exercise that's gentle on the joints.
What should I say instead of "practice swimming"?
You can use alternatives like "train in swimming", "rehearse swimming techniques", or "improve swimming abilities", depending on the context.
What's the difference between "practice swimming" and "swimming lessons"?
"Practice swimming" refers to the act of regularly swimming to improve your skills, whereas "swimming lessons" are structured sessions with an instructor to learn or refine swimming techniques.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
79%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested