The words advice and advise are some of the most easily confused words in English. Not only do they have similar pronunciation in English but they also are related in meaning.
However, there is one important difference that will help you use them correctly. We also have a tip for remembering which one is correct in future.
So, if you have been wondering what the difference is between advice vs advise, we have the answer.
Advice vs advise: What’s the difference?
The simple way to explain the difference between advise and advice is that advise is a verb and advice is a noun.
This means that, although both words can refer to the same action, you must chose the correct one depending on its role in a sentence.
Advice is a noun
You can give advice to someone or ask for some advice. In this case you’re talking about a recommendation or suggested beneficial course of action:
- Could you give me some advice about buying a new house?
- I need some advice on how to lose weight.
- This is the best advice I can offer you.
Please also note that advice is an uncountable noun – read more about uncountable nouns here.
Advise is a verb
This means you advise someone to do something or advise a particular course of action. The meaning is similar to ‘recommend’ or ‘suggest’.
- I advise you to take a long-term approach to your investments.
- I don’t advise driving when tired.
Advise can also have a meaning similar to inform:
- Everyone has been advised of the entry requirements.
- Please advise Mr. Smith that the waiting list is over a month long.
Another way to know that you need to use advise vs advice is if you are adding a verb ending like -ing, -es, or -ed. In all of these situations, the word advise is correct:
- Who will be advising the new staff members on our health and safety protocols?
- The counsellor always advises her clients to meditate regularly.
- Luke advised his father to switch to online banking.
The same rule applies when considering practice vs practise.
Is it please advise or please advice?
In this context you are requesting that someone does something, therefore you should use the verb: please advise. We generally use this phrase in written business English. It’s quite formal but concise, so it’s good to use with someone you already know but have a formal working relationship with.
For example: “I’m unsure whether to assign this customer to Dirk or Matteo. Please advise.”
Do you give advice or give advise?
In this context you need a noun. Therefore, it’s correct that we give advice. The same is true when used with other verbs like ‘offer’, ‘request’, ‘accept’, ‘take’ and ‘receive’.
- Joel is a real expert when it comes to giving advice about cameras.
- Elena, do you have any advice to offer on this matter?
- I am always glad to receive advice about managing my finances better.
- If she choses not to take my advice, I won’t be there to pick up the pieces!
Pronunciation of advice and advise
We usually stick to giving advice about writing here, but in this case it’s important to talk about the pronunciation of advice and advise.
The two words sound very similar, except ‘advice’ has an ‘s’ sound and ‘advise’ has a ‘z’ sound. Here’s an easy way to remember it:
The noun advice rhymes with nice. Imagine yourself giving someone some nice advice.
The verb advise rhymes with wise. You must be wise to advise.
Perhaps you have your own way of remembering whether to use advice or advise? If so, please leave a comment below so you can share it with other English learners.
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