What’s the difference between “advise” and “advice”?
- Advise is a verb that refers to the act of giving someone a recommendation, suggestion, or information.
- Advice is a noun. It’s the recommendation, suggestion, or information that someone is provided with.
- ○ He advised me to voice my concerns.
- ○ His advice to me was to voice my concerns.
Is It “Advise” or “Advice”?
Let us give you a piece of advice: Using correct spelling and proper grammar is important if you want to be a skilled writer. One wrong letter can completely alter the meaning and use of a word.
Take advice and advise as an example: two words that are spelled nearly the same and have similar definitions (and pronunciations), but function as two different parts of speech. Confused? We’ll advise you some more below.
“Advise”–Definition and Examples
Advise is always a verb—no exceptions. To be more specific, advise is a dynamic verb (also known as an action verb). When you advise someone, it means you are providing them with recommendations, suggestions, or helpful information.
Advise can function as a transitive verb (a verb that is accompanied by a direct object) or an intransitive verb (a verb that doesn't require a direct object).
Advise as a transitive verb:
The attorney advised his clients about their rights.
The high schoolers will be advising the middle schoolers.
I will advise her to give more input during the meetings.
Advise as an intransitive verb:
I will take notes as you advise.
The investors were advised.
The employees will be advised.
You’ve probably used or received the phrase please advise in an email. It’s a common expression that is used when asking for help or additional information. Be careful not to use advice in this phrase, as that would be incorrect.
Please advise on how to proceed.
Please advice on how to proceed.
“Advice”–Definition and Examples
When someone advises you (verb), that means they are giving you advice (noun).
Advice only ever functions as a noun. It refers to “the recommendation, suggestion, counsel, or further, helpful information” someone provides.
Her advice to me was extremely helpful and helped me pass the class.
Quincy offered his advice to Winston.
My winter advice? Never eat yellow snow.
Advice is always used as an uncountable noun. Therefore, it would be incorrect to use advices.
The trainer gave me several pieces of advice.
The trainer gave me advices.
Take Our Advice
Remember: advise is always an action, and advice is always a noun or the product that results from that action. Our last piece of advice? Use LanguageTool as your spelling and grammar checker. This advanced multilingual text editor can detect mistakes (like improper use of advise and advice), improve your style and tone, and help rephrase your sentences.
