practice to write or writing

[crazyaboutenglish]

Hi,

Am I correct to think that there is a small difference between these two sentences. I think there is but I'm not sure what it is.

It’s a good practice to write letters.
It’s good practice writing letters.

Thanks

[billmcd]

Hi,

Am I correct to think that there is a small difference between these two sentences. I think there is but I'm not sure what it is.

It’s a good practice to write letters.
It’s good practice writing letters.

Thanks

First, let's consider #1: As posted with the article "a" and without further context, it suggests that writing letters is recommended or better than some other form of communication with "practice" used to mean "habit/method/procedure". Now, let's remove the article, "a". Without the article, "practice" suggests "exercise/drill".

In #2 and as posted, the meaning is the same as in #1 without the article i.e "practice" = exercise/drill. It could also be stated as, "Writing letters is good practice" with no change in meaning.

I hope this helps.

[crazyaboutenglish]

Yes it does - thank you!