Have you ever hesitated before sending an email because you weren’t sure whether to use “advise” or “advice”? This common confusion stems from the similar spelling and related meanings of these words.
However, using the wrong term can change the entire meaning of your sentence. Let’s clear up the confusion between “advise” and “advice” so you can communicate with confidence.
Understanding “Advise” And “Advice”
Advise: Definition and Usage
“Advise” is a verb that means to give suggestions or recommendations to someone. It is an action word that describes the act of offering guidance. For example:
- The doctor advised me to get more rest.
- Can you advise me on the best course of action?
In these examples, “advise” is used to indicate the act of providing advice or suggestions.
Advice: Definition and Usage
“Advice,” on the other hand, is a noun that refers to the recommendations or suggestions given to someone. It is the content of what is advised. For example:
- I always follow my grandmother’s advice.
- She gave me good advice on how to manage my time.
Here, “advice” is the guidance or suggestions provided by someone, and it is treated as a thing rather than an action.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Advise | Advice |
| Definition | To offer suggestions or recommendations (verb) | Recommendations or suggestions given (noun) |
| Common Usage | “Please advise on the next steps.” | “His advice was invaluable.” |
| Key Differences | Action of providing guidance | The content or substance of the guidance |
When deciding between “advise” and “advice,” consider whether you are describing an action (advise) or referring to the guidance itself (advice).
For example, if you are asking someone to provide recommendations, you should use “advise.” If you are referring to the suggestions already provided, “advice” is correct.
Everyday Usage Examples
To help you better understand the distinction, here are some everyday examples:
- Advise: The lawyer advised his client to settle the case out of court.
- Advice: His financial advice helped me save a lot of money.
- Advise: She advised me to stay calm during the interview.
- Advice: I received some excellent advice from my mentor.
- Advise: They advised us against taking that risky route.
- Advice: Her advice on career planning was spot on.
Conclusion
The difference between “advise” and “advice” lies in their grammatical roles—one is a verb, and the other is a noun.
Remember to use “advise” when referring to the act of giving recommendations, and “advice” when discussing the suggestions themselves. Mastering this distinction will make your writing clearer and more professional.