practices

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "practices" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to repeated actions or methods employed in a particular field or context, such as in professional or educational settings. Example: "The company has implemented new practices to improve employee productivity and morale."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But when equally unacceptable views or practices have come from someone who isn't white, we've been too cautious, frankly even fearful, to stand up to them".

The New York Times

"Over recent decades, technological change, globalization and an erosion of the institutions and practices that support shared prosperity in the U.S. have put the middle class under increasing stress.

The New York Times

Indeed, no company was awarded their highest rating of "best practices".

The Guardian

Recent research from Sophos, in which Lyne travelled around various UK cities on a bicycle to test router security, found in some some areas more than a third had bad security practices.

The Guardian - Tech

In mediation practices going back hundreds of years, they have perfected conflict resolution techniques to negotiate rivalries and blood feuds.

The Guardian

Detectives are presently following 400 lines of inquiry, while the BBC has launched an inquiry into the culture and practices at the corporation in the era of Savile's alleged sexual abuse.

The Guardian

UCL should be using its influence to end this type of modern-day slavery and challenge practices that risk curtailing important academic freedoms.

The Guardian

Only 12% of GPs under the age of 45 choose to own and operate their own practices – a major threat to the current business model.

The Guardian

"I will look to give my best during practices and I have the opportunity to play more I will give my best," he said following a second-half substitute appearance.

The Guardian - Sport

Related: Brazil drought: water rationing alone won't save Sao Paulo At the Waterbank School in Laikipia, pupils demonstrate in class what they learn about economically and environmentally sustainable rainwater harvesting, water filtration, sanitation and agricultural practices, which is bound to have a wider knock-on effect for their futures.

The Guardian

Over the years, the alliance has developed a set of practices and interventions to make the transition easier – many of which revolve around women's leadership and participation.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about potentially controversial topics, use "practices" to maintain a neutral tone when referring to standard procedures or accepted behaviors.

Common error

Avoid using "practices" without specifying which area or field they belong to; vague references can confuse the reader. Instead of saying "these practices are harmful", specify "these medical practices are harmful".

Linguistic Context

The word "practices" primarily functions as a plural noun, referring to customary actions, methods, or procedures. As Ludwig AI notes, it's widely used and understood in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "practices" functions as a plural noun denoting established methods, customs, or routines. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, particularly in news and media contexts. While generally neutral, the formality level can shift depending on the source. To avoid ambiguity, specify the context when using "practices", and consider alternatives like "methods" or "procedures" depending on the nuance you want to convey. The word is very frequently used.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

customs

Focuses more on traditional and widely accepted behaviors within a specific group or society.

methods

Refers to a specific way of doing something, often implying a planned or systematic approach.

procedures

Emphasizes a specific series of actions conducted in a certain order or manner, generally to achieve a goal.

techniques

Highlights skills or specific approaches applied to achieve a particular task.

conventions

Focuses on established rules or norms, often within a professional or social setting.

protocols

Emphasizes formal rules or procedures, often in scientific or technological contexts.

habits

Highlights personal behaviors or routines that are regularly repeated.

routines

Emphasizes a sequence of actions regularly followed, often in a predictable order.

traditions

Relates to customs or beliefs passed down from one generation to another.

systems

Highlights organized sets of principles or procedures.

FAQs

How can I use "practices" in a sentence?

"Practices" can refer to established methods, customs, or routines. For example, "The company implemented new safety practices" or "Cultural practices vary widely across different regions".

What are some alternatives to the word "practices"?

Depending on the context, you could use "methods", "procedures", "customs", or "routines".

What is the difference between "practices" and "praxis"?

"Practices" refers to repeated actions or methods, while "praxis" refers to the practical application of a theory or concept. They are related, but "praxis" implies a more deliberate and theoretical grounding.

Is it better to use "practices" or "methods" in formal writing?

Both "practices" and "methods" are suitable for formal writing. "Practices" is broader, encompassing general customs and behaviors, whereas "methods" is more specific to a particular approach or technique.