Advice vs Advise

Advice (with a ‘c’)

This is a noun. It refers to guidance or recommendation offered to someone. How do we use “advice” in a sentence?

• My teacher gave good advice on how to improve my writing.
• Do you any advice on managing stress?

When do we use “advice” (noun form)? Note these useful word patterns!

Possessive words + advice

• The teacher’s / my mother’s / her friends’ advice was useful.
• Your / her / his / my advice is to stay away from drugs.

The / Quantifier + advice

• Some / any / much advice would be appreciated.
• She had little / no advice for me.
• The advice I received was of no help.

 Adjective (e.g., good / terrible / useful / wise) + advice

• I was given good advice about my painting technique.
• Taking his terrible advice was a big mistake!

 Verb (e.g., seek / ask for / follow / heed / ignore / give) + advice

• She sought advice from her mentor.
• Ignoring his advice led to unnecessary problems.
• You will improve if you heed my advice.

Advise (with a ‘s’)

This is a verb referring to the action of giving guidance or recommendations. How do we use “advise” in a sentence?

• I always advise my students to check their work thoroughly.
• Amanda was advised to stay away from the delinquents.

When do we use “advise” (verb form)? Note these useful word patterns!

To + advise

• The accountant was asked to advise on the company’s finances.
• The principal asked me to advise the students on their subject combinations.

Modals (will / would / should / can / could / may / might) + advise

• Teachers should advise their students to attend the workshop.
• The staff can advise you if you encounter any issues.

Since ‘advise’ is a verb, it takes different verb forms in different tenses. For instance:

• Present participle form: He is / was / has been advising Jane to register early.
• Past form:             Paul advised / had advised me to speak to the manager.

Let’s practise!

1. The photographer’s _________ on posing helped me feel more confident.
2. Could you _________  me on how to best care for pets?
3. Could you give me _________  about caring for pets?
4. Let me give you a piece of _________ on time management.

You’re all set! If you ever confuse the two again, we’d advise you to read this blog post again, and you ought to heed the advice 🙂