What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
practice
Example
She practices her piano every day. [practice: verb]
Example
The team had a practice session before the game. [practice: noun]
Example
He spent hours practicing his speech before the conference. [practicing: gerund or present participle]
routine
Example
My morning routine includes brushing my teeth and making coffee. [routine: noun]
Example
The doctor followed a routine procedure for the examination. [routine: adjective]
Example
She fell into a routine of going to bed early and waking up at the same time every day. [routine: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Routine is more commonly used than practice in everyday language. Routine is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while practice is more specific and often used in the context of skill-building or performance preparation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between practice and routine?
Both practice and routine can be used in formal and informal contexts, but practice may be more commonly used in professional or academic settings where skill-building and improvement are emphasized.