lesson

Meaning chooses the spelling

1 · Learn

Some words sound alike or similar but have different jobs. Stationary means not moving; stationery means writing materials. In British English, practice is normally the noun and practise the verb.

Use the sentence's meaning and grammar to choose. A spellchecker may accept both words because both exist, so its approval does not prove you chose the intended one.

stationary: stillstationery: writing materialspractice: nounpractise: verb
Key words and supplied examples.

2 · Worked example

'We practise our lines during practice' uses the verb first and the noun second. 'The bus remained stationary' describes its lack of movement.

3 · Your turn

Choose the words: 'Buy some stationary/stationery. We will practice/practise tomorrow.'

Check your answer

stationery; practise. The first names writing materials and the second is a verb.

4 · Apply your learning

Create paired sentences for each distinction and ask someone to explain the meaning before selecting a spelling.

Adult guidance and safety

Read the supplied text together if needed. Accept well-supported alternative interpretations, not invented evidence. Use wider whole books, poems and plays alongside these short original models; provide specific feedback on writing and revisit spelling over time.

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