When To Use Advice Or Advise
Published by at February 6th, 2024 , Revised On February 27, 2024
There are many confusing words in the English language that trip off even professional academics at times. One such pair that often confuses is “advice” and “advise.” While they may sound alike and are derived from the same root, they serve different roles in a sentence and have unique meanings.
Defining “Advice” And “Advise”
Let us start by understanding the individual meanings of “advice” and “advise.”
Advice (Noun)
Advice is a noun that refers to recommendations, guidance, or suggestions given to help someone make decisions, solve problems, or improve a situation.
Example: She sought advice from her mentor before making a career-changing decision.
| Example | Context |
|---|---|
| “She sought advice from her professor before choosing her major.” | Seeking guidance or recommendations for decision-making. |
| “His valuable advice on time management significantly improved my productivity.” | Appreciating guidance that leads to positive outcomes. |
| “The CEO’s advice to the team emphasised the importance of innovation in the industry.” | Professional counsel highlighting strategic approaches. |
| “My grandmother’s enduring advice about kindness has shaped my worldview.” | Wisdom passed down through generations influencing personal beliefs. |
| “In times of uncertainty, turning to friends for heartfelt advice can be reassuring.” | Relying on the counsel of friends for emotional support. |
| “The financial planner provided insightful advice on optimising investments.” | Professional guidance related to financial planning. |
| “Listening to the advice of experienced hikers, we packed extra water for the trail.” | Following recommendations for a specific activity or situation. |
| “Despite numerous advice columns, each person’s path to happiness is unique.” | Acknowledging the subjectivity of guidance in lifestyle matters. |
| “The professor’s constructive advice on my research paper helped me refine my arguments.” | Receiving feedback aimed at improvement in an academic context. |
| “Parents often provide unconditional love along with practical advice to their children.” | The combination of emotional support and practical recommendations from parents. |
Hire A Professional Editor
- Expert UK Editor
- Grammar and Punctuation
- Precision and Clarity
- Zero Plagiarism
- Excellent Customer Service
Advise (Verb)
Advise, on the other hand, is a verb that means to offer counsel, suggest, or give recommendations to someone.
Example: I would advise you to reconsider your options before making a final decision.
| Example | Context |
|---|---|
| “I would advise you to consider all options before making a final decision.” | Offering a recommendation or counsel. |
| “The doctor advised the patient to adopt a healthier lifestyle for improved well-being.” | Providing professional guidance for better health practices. |
| “She regularly advises her team on effective communication strategies.” | Taking on a leadership role by offering guidance to a group. |
| “Experts advise divers to check their equipment thoroughly before each dive.” | Imparting specialised knowledge or recommendations in a specific field. |
| “The financial consultant advised the client on prudent investment choices.” | Giving professional counsel related to financial decisions. |
| “Parents often advise their children to be cautious when crossing the street.” | Imparting parental guidance on safety and awareness. |
| “The mentor consistently advises the mentee to set realistic goals for career growth.” | Providing ongoing guidance in a mentor-mentee relationship. |
| “Legal experts strongly advise consulting an attorney before signing any contracts.” | Urging individuals to seek professional advice in legal matters. |
| “Teachers commonly advise students to review class notes before exams for better retention.” | Offering academic guidance for effective study habits. |
| “As a travel agent, I would advise booking flights well in advance for the best deals.” | Sharing practical recommendations based on expertise in the travel industry. |
Difference Between “Advice” And “Advise”
The key to distinguishing between these two words lies in their grammatical roles and usage in a sentence. “Advice” functions as a noun, while “advise” functions as a verb.
Noun (Advice)
- “I appreciate your advice on financial planning.”
- “Her advice was instrumental in resolving the conflict.”
Verb (Advise)
- “I advise you to take the necessary precautions.”
- “He advised his team to focus on collaboration for better results.”
| Aspect | “Advice” (Noun) | “Advise” (Verb) |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Recommendations, guidance, suggestions | To offer counsel, suggest, recommend |
| Usage | Noun | Verb |
| Example | Seek advice from mentors. | I advise you to reconsider. |
| Role in Sentence | Subject or object of a sentence. | Action or instruction in a sentence. |
| Function | Giving, receiving, or seeking guidance. | Providing guidance or counsel. |
Examples To Illustrate The Difference
Using “Advice” (Noun)
- “The wise old man offered valuable advice to the young couple about maintaining a healthy relationship.”
- “I often turn to my best friend for advice when faced with difficult decisions.”
Using “Advise” (Verb)
- “I strongly advise you to proofread your resume before submitting it for the job application.”
- “The teacher advised the students to review the study material before the exam.”
Common Mistakes And How To Avoid Them
Despite the clear distinction between “advice” and “advise,” it’s common for individuals to misuse these words. Here are some common mistakes and tips on how to avoid them:
Confusing Roles
-
- Mistake: “I will give you a valuable advise.”
-
- Correction: “I will give you valuable advice.”
Incorrect Verb Form
-
- Mistake: “She adviced me to invest wisely.”
-
- Correction: “She advised me to invest wisely.”
Pluralisation Errors
-
- Mistake: “I have many advises to offer.”
-
- Correction: “I have many pieces of advice to offer.”
Frequently Asked Questions
When seeking guidance, use “Please advise.” “Advise” is the verb form, appropriate for requesting counsel or recommendations. On the other hand, “advice” is a noun, and saying “Please advice” would be incorrect. Ensure clarity in communication by using the correct form based on the context.
The correct phrase is “Can I give you some advice?” Here, “advice” is the noun representing guidance or suggestions. “Advise” is the verb form, so using “advice” in this context ensures proper communication.
It is “doctor’s advice.” In this context, “advice” is a noun representing the guidance or recommendations provided by a doctor. “Advise” is the verb form, so when referring to the counsel given by a doctor, the correct term is “advice.”
