Cool MateApply vs Practice
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Apply
Top 1,000 (very common)A2verb
Practice
Top 1,000 (very common)A1noun
| Apply | Practice | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/əˈplaɪ/","/əˈplaɪz/","/əˈplaɪd/","/əˈplaɪɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/əˈplaɪ/","/əˈplaɪz/","/əˈplaɪd/","/əˈplaɪɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈpræktɪs/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈpræktɪs/"]/ |
| Meaning | To put something into use or request something. | To do something repeatedly to improve your skills. |
| Example | You need to apply for a job if you want to work there. | I need to practice my guitar skills every day. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | A1 |
| Part of speech | verb | noun |
| Collocations | directly, evenly, liberally, over, to | basketball, batting, football, do, get, get in, facilities, field, ground, out of practice, with practice, practice at, be good practice for something, practice makes perfect, put something into, in practice, good, recommended, sound, introduce, adopt, employ, exist, begin, continue, practice among, practice for, practice in, a change in practice, a code of practice, make a practice of something, successful, clinical, legal, be in, go into, set up in |
| Antonyms | withdraw, remove, neglect | neglect, ignore |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'imply' — they have different meanings., Using 'applied' incorrectly in past tense when referring to a suggestion., Omitting the object when stating to 'apply' something. | Confused with 'practise' which is the verb form in British English., Using 'practice' as a verb in British English, where it should be 'practise'., Omitting the object when specifying what to practice. |
| Usage notes | Use 'apply' when talking about using knowledge in practice or requesting a position. It is neutral and can fit in both casual and formal settings. Avoid using in overly casual contexts. | Use 'practice' when referring to improving skills through repetition. In a formal context, use 'practise' (with an 's' in British English) for the verb form. Avoid using in very casual or slang conversations. |
Frequently asked questions: Apply vs Practice
What's the difference between Apply and Practice?
Apply: To put something into use or request something. Practice: To do something repeatedly to improve your skills.
Which is more advanced: Apply and Practice?
Apply is the highest level, at A2, on the CEFR scale.
Are Apply and Practice the same CEFR level?
Apply: A2, Practice: A1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Apply and Practice?
Apply: verb, Practice: noun.
Can you show an example of each?
Apply: You need to apply for a job if you want to work there. Practice: I need to practice my guitar skills every day.
Can I use Apply and Practice interchangeably?
Not always. Apply and Practice are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.