advice
B1Neutral to Formal
Definition
Meaning
Guidance or recommendations offered to someone regarding prudent future action; an opinion about what to do or how to handle a situation.
In formal contexts, such as law or diplomacy, it can refer to official notification or information.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Always uncountable. You cannot say "an advice" or "advices" (except in very specific, formal contexts like legal documents where 'advices' might mean official notifications). It refers to the general concept of guidance, not a single piece of it. For a single item, use "a piece of advice" or "a word of advice".
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or grammar. The pronunciation differs slightly (see IPA). Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Identical connotations of guidance, often from an expert or experienced person.
Frequency
Similar high frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
give someone advice (on/about something)seek/ask for advice (from someone)follow/take someone's adviceoffer/provide adviceneed adviceact on adviceVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a word to the wise (is enough)”
- “take something under advisement (formal)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Often refers to consultancy services, e.g., 'We hired a firm for tax advice.'
Academic
Used for guidance from supervisors or tutors, e.g., 'She sought advice on her research methodology.'
Everyday
Common for personal recommendations, e.g., 'My dad gave me advice about changing the tyre.'
Technical
In law, 'legal advice' is a protected communication between lawyer and client. In computing, may refer to system-generated suggestions.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The solicitor will advise the client on the contract.
- I'd advise against travelling without insurance.
American English
- My attorney advised me to settle.
- Experts advise checking your credit report annually.
adverb
British English
- He listened advisedly before making his decision. (Formal/rare)
- N/A
American English
- She acted advisedly, considering all the counsel she'd received. (Formal/rare)
- N/A
adjective
British English
- She is very advice-shy after her last bad experience.
- He held an advisory role on the committee.
American English
- The advisory board meets quarterly.
- They issued a travel advisory for the region.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My teacher gave me good advice.
- Can you give me some advice, please?
- I followed my doctor's advice and started exercising.
- He asked his father for advice about his new job.
- Despite receiving contradictory advice from several consultants, she had to make a final decision.
- The pamphlet offers practical advice on managing personal finances.
- The committee's advice was predicated on outdated economic models, rendering it largely ineffective.
- Acting on legal advice, the company issued a public apology to mitigate reputational damage.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of ADVICE as having ICE in it. Good advice can help you navigate slippery (ice) situations.
Conceptual Metaphor
ADVICE IS A PATH (Follow my advice, you're on the right track); ADVICE IS A COMMODITY (Give/take/get some advice).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate Russian 'совет' as a countable noun. 'Совет' can be counted (один совет, два совета), but 'advice' cannot. Use 'a piece of advice' for один совет.
- The verb is 'advise' /ədˈvaɪz/, not 'advice'.
- Do not confuse with 'advise' which is a verb.
Common Mistakes
- Using as countable: 'He gave me a good advice.' (INCORRECT) -> 'He gave me some good advice / a good piece of advice.' (CORRECT)
- Confusing spelling with verb: 'I advice you to go.' (INCORRECT) -> 'I advise you to go.' (CORRECT)
- Pluralizing: 'I need some advices.' (INCORRECT) -> 'I need some advice.' (CORRECT)
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following sentences is grammatically correct?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Advice is uncountable. You cannot say 'an advice' or 'advices' (in standard usage). To quantify, use phrases like 'a piece of advice', 'some advice', 'a lot of advice'.
'Advice' /ədˈvaɪs/ is a noun meaning guidance. 'Advise' /ədˈvaɪz/ is a verb meaning to give guidance. Remember: 'ice' (noun) is cold, 'ise' (verb) is an action.
No. Because 'advice' is uncountable, you must say 'some good advice'. If you need to specify individual items, say 'some good pieces of advice'.
Yes, this is a common and polite phrase in professional communication, meaning you await their guidance or recommendations on a matter.