The New York Times | October 12, 2022
"CDC to advise new COVID-19 guidelines as winter approaches"
Advice vs. Advise
The '30 Seconds' Difference At A Glance
Advice is a noun meaning a recommendation or suggestion, while advise is a verb meaning to give recommendations or suggestions to someone.
My doctor will advise me about my health, and I usually follow his advice.
A Deeper Look
Advice is the actual suggestion or recommendation - it's something you can get, take, give, or ignore (we often say "get advice," "give advice," or "take advice"). Think of it as the helpful information itself.
I need some career advice - should I take the new job?
Thanks for the good advice about fixing my bike!
Advise (rhymes with "realise") is what you do when you give someone advice. When someone advises you, they're telling you what they think you should do.
The dentist advised me to floss every day.
My sister advised against buying the expensive car.
Quick tip: If you can put "some" or "good" in front of it, use advice. If you're talking about what someone is doing, use advise. And here's a pronunciation hint: advice has an 's' sound, while advise has a 'z' sound.
Common Usage Patterns
Advice (noun)
take advice, give advice, offer advice, follow advice, piece of advice, words of advice, professional advice
Advise (verb)
advise on, advise someone to, strongly advise, would advise, advise against, advise caution
Key Patterns
Advice is often paired with verbs like take, give, or need. Advise is used when describing the action of giving guidance.
What Teachers Say
"Students often struggle with these words in business writing. I tell them to pause and ask: 'Am I talking about giving guidance (advise) or the guidance itself (advice)?'"
-- Emma, Brighton
"The most common error I see is students writing 'I want to advice you.' Once they understand that 'advice' is never an action word, this mistake disappears."
-- Robert, Dublin
"In business emails, we often see both words: 'I advise checking the attachment for my detailed advice on the proposal.' Understanding this pattern helps students use both correctly."
-- Sarah, Melbourne
From The Headlines
The Telegraph | January 3, 2013
"Public ignoring travel advice despite severe weather warnings"
Reuters | January 15, 2024
"Financial experts advise caution in volatile market conditions"
Test Yourself!
1. Can you give me some _______ about this problem?
2. The doctor will _______ you on the best treatment options.
3. I would strongly _______ against taking that course of action, but it's just my _______.
