Advice vs. Advise: Understanding the Differences
Differentiating Advice and Advise
English is abundant in words that share similarities in sound yet differ in meanings and applications. “Advice” and “advise” are a pair of such words. Although related, it’s crucial to employ them accurately to communicate the intended message.
Advice
Pronunciation
The correct pronunciation of advice is /ədˈvaɪs/.
Meaning of Advice
“Advice” is a noun that refers to guidance or recommendations offered with regard to prudent future action.
Synonyms of Advice
- Counsel
- Recommendation
- Guidance
Etymology and Explanation of Advice
The word “advice” originates from the Old French word “avise,” which means “considered.” Advice is what you give or receive when someone suggests what you should do. It’s a noun, meaning it’s the thing being given. For example, “I gave her advice on her financial investments.”
Example in Sentences
- She sought advice from her mentor before making a career-changing decision.
- My grandmother always gives me valuable advice on family relationships.
- We should heed the advice of experts when planning for the future.
- His father’s advice was always to be honest and work hard.
Advise
Pronunciation
The correct pronunciation of advise is /ədˈvaɪz/.
Meaning of Advise
“Advise,” on the other hand, is a verb that means to offer suggestions about the best course of action to someone.
Synonyms of Advise
- Recommend
- Counsel
- Suggest
Explanation and Etymology of Advise
The term “advise” is derived from the same Old French root “avise” as “advice.” It is the action of giving advice. It’s a verb, which means it’s something you do. For example, I advise you to check the weather forecast before going hiking.
Example in Sentences
- The financial planner advised us to invest in diversified portfolios.
- I would advise you to reconsider your options before making a final decision.
- She advised her friend to seek professional help for her health concerns.
- The doctor advised him to get plenty of rest
Usage Tips
Remember, you can give someone a piece of advice, but you cannot “advice” them. Similarly, you can advise someone, but you cannot give them an “advise.”
In Summary
The distinction between advice and advise is clear once you know that one is a thing (noun) and the other is an action (verb). By keeping their meanings and grammatical roles in mind, you can ensure that you use these words correctly every time.
Exercise on Advice vs. Advise
Here’s an exercise to practice differentiating a pair of words. Fill in the blanks with either ‘advice’ or ‘advise’:
- I need your __________ on whether to take the job offer or not. (Advice/advise)
- Could you please __________ me on the best route to take for my road trip? (Advice/advise)
- She appreciated the __________ given by her mentor about career growth. (Advice/advise)
- The financial consultant will __________ you on investment strategies. (Advice/advise)
- His __________ was invaluable during the negotiations. (Advice/advice)
- As a friend, I must __________ you against making hasty decisions. (Advice/advise)
- The book is full of practical __________ for starting a business. (Advice/advise)
- The lawyer __________d his client to plead not guilty. (Advice/advise)
About Authoress
Mahnoor Jehangir is a seasoned educator and linguist, specializing in English language and literature. With a master’s degree in English and applied linguistics, Mahnoor serves as a subject lead, while also indulging her passion for writing, exploring the nuances of language and storytelling.
