Advise vs. Advice – What’s the Gist?
Both advise and advice suggest the idea of seeking direction from an outside source. The confusion between the two arises from the similarity in consulting others for counsel, but the correct choice is based on what part of speech you want.
- Advise is a verb.
- Advice is a noun.
How to Use Advise in a Sentence
Advise definition: As a transitive verb, advise means to give advice or counsel, warn or inform, recommend or consult. If someone advises you on a topic, you are receiving guidance or instruction from that person.
For example:
- The attorney advised the client to pay the fine to avoid confinement. (Past Tense Verb)
- To advise the passing vehicle of the hazardous conditions ahead, the driver of the car flashed its brights. (Infinitive)
- Patients are advised by dentists to brush after meals and before bed for good dental hygiene. (Present Perfect Tense Verb)
How to Use Advice in a Sentence
Advice definition: Advice is a noun expressing a recommendation about a possible decision, or it is counsel that gives direction or information. If you are conveying guidance or instruction to someone, you have offered them your advice.
For example:
- Her mother’s advice helped to keep the baby warm. (Noun)
- After receiving unwanted dating advice, the millennial left the table. (Noun)
- The new owner was seeking advice on how to housebreak the puppy. (Noun)
The word you use is largely based on its intended function in a sentence. Do you want a verb that indicates action? Or are you looking for a noun that expresses a recommendation?
Determining the sentence function will help you choose the correct word.
Outside Examples of Advise vs. Advice
- “In view of the recent outbreak of the 2019 novel coronavirus, Dream Cruises has been working closely with the China authorities in implementing various precautionary measures, and as part of our continuous initiative, kindly be advised that Dream Cruises will be not be calling into Guangzhou (Nansha) on Jan. 31 and Feb. 6, 2020. However, please note the arrival, boarding and departure arrangements in Hong Kong on the same day will remain as scheduled.” –USA Today
- A good rule of thumb is to consult a tax pro before you take any money out of a retirement account. The rules can be complex and it’s easy to make an expensive mistake. A tax pro also could advise you about the tax implications of renting vs. selling, although you might also want to talk to anyone you know who’s a landlord about what’s involved with renting out a property. –LA Times
- New moms and pops will be eligible for up to six free visits from health care providers giving advice on everything from breastfeeding to postpartum depression. –Daily News
- Smeltzer regrets putting his cellphone number on social media because he’s been inundated with hundreds of texts and messages from rescue groups and animal lovers offering advice. –New York Post
Phrases That Use Advise and Advice
There are some phrases that use the word advise or advice, including:
Please advise: Politely asking for direction.
- She closed the email with the words: Please advise.
Advise against: Being cautioned against acting on or making a decision about something.
- The heart patient was advised against eating too much red meat in his diet.
Sage advice: Meaning giving wise or perceptive advice.
- When offering marital counsel, the grandparents were known for giving sage advice.
A free piece of advice: Someone is about to receive some unsolicited or unwanted advice.
- After turning in her homework late, the teach proffered, “Let me give you a free piece of advice: Manage your time better by starting on your project earlier.”
How to Remember These Words
The best way to decide which word you want is to look at the part of speech that is being used.
- If it’s a verb, choose advise; if it’s a noun, pick
Here is another mnemonic device to help you remember. The letter s in the word show corresponds with the letter s in advise. Often when you are asking someone to advise you, you are actually requesting them to show you the way.
On the other hand, when listening to advice, it may feel like someone has a vice or moral defect when giving unwanted counsel. Think of the letters v i c e in advice spells vice.
For example:
- He advised her to leave the hurricane-prone state.
- Listening to her advice drone on and on, the girl thought her friend was giving horrible guidance.
Quiz: Advise or Advice
- The student was looking for _________ to register for classes.
- After being _______, the client rolled over money into a 401(k).
- Reluctantly, the child took her parent’s _______ and went to bed early.
- _________ the woman of her rights, the police officer arrested the suspect.
Article Summary
Is advise or advice correct? While these two homophones sound similar in English, they are not interchangeable. Ask yourself what part of speech you want to use.
If it’s a noun, use advice. If you are expressing action, you’ll likely want the word advise. Not to mention, although it’s good to get advice, most of us like to advise.
- Advise is a verb.
- Advice is a noun.
Quiz Answers
Advice.
Advised.
Advice.
Advising.