advise
B1 (Intermediate)Formal, neutral, and professional. Less common in casual speech where "tell" or "recommend" might be used.
Definition
Meaning
To give someone a recommendation about what they should do.
To give official or formal information to someone, especially in a professional or legal context.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
"Advise" focuses on the act of giving guidance, not on its acceptance. It often implies the advice-giver has expertise or responsibility. It can be used for both specific recommendations and general counsel.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, the noun form is 'advice' (uncountable) and the verb is 'advise'. In American English, the distinction is the same, but 'advise' as a verb is sometimes used more broadly in business contexts.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes formality and expertise. In UK legal/formal contexts, it can have a stronger sense of 'officially inform' (e.g., 'We advise you that the contract is terminated').
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in written and formal registers in both varieties. The verb is commonly used in professional environments worldwide.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
advise somebodyadvise somethingadvise (somebody) + that-clauseadvise somebody to do somethingadvise somebody on/about somethingadvise against something/doing somethingadvise doing somethingVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “I'd advise against it.”
- “You would be well advised to...”
- “Please advise.”
- “Advise for the prosecution/defence (legal).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Common in emails and reports (e.g., 'Our consultants advise a merger.').
Academic
Used in formal recommendations (e.g., 'The study advises further research.').
Everyday
Used for serious recommendations (e.g., 'The doctor advised rest.'). Less common for casual suggestions.
Technical
Used in legal, financial, and medical contexts to give formal guidance or warnings.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- I must advise you of your rights.
- They advised against travelling during the strike.
- We are pleased to advise that your application was successful.
- He advises the board on financial matters.
American English
- My lawyer advised me to settle.
- I'd advise against signing that contract.
- The label advises consumers to store the product in a cool place.
- She advises the Senate committee on foreign policy.
adverb
British English
- (Rare/Formal) He acted advisedly, having consulted experts.
American English
- (Rare/Formal) She spoke advisedly, knowing the legal implications.
adjective
British English
- The advised procedure is outlined in the manual.
- He is a well-advised individual.
American English
- It is the advised course of action.
- They were ill-advised to make that investment.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The teacher advises us to read every day.
- My mum advised me to wear a coat.
- I advise you to check the train times before you leave.
- The website advises customers on how to save energy.
- The report strongly advises against immediate changes to the policy.
- If symptoms persist, you are advised to consult a physician.
- Counsel for the defence advised her client to enter a plea of not guilty.
- The committee was advised of the potential ethical implications prior to the vote.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'advise' with an 's' as the verb that 'suggests' a course of action.
Conceptual Metaphor
GIVING ADVICE IS GIVING A MAP (providing direction), ADVICE IS MEDICINE (a prescribed remedy for a problem).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse verb 'advise' /ədˈvaɪz/ with uncountable noun 'advice' /ədˈvaɪs/. Russian часто переводит и то, и другое как 'совет'.
- Avoid direct calques like 'He advised me a book.' Use 'He advised me to read a book' or 'He recommended a book.'
- The construction 'advise somebody something' is incorrect. Use 'advise somebody OF something' (formal/inform) or 'advise somebody on something' (give guidance about).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'advice' as a verb (e.g., 'He adviced me' is wrong).
- Using 'advise' without an object where needed (e.g., 'I advise to leave' is wrong; use 'I advise you to leave' or 'I advise leaving.').
- Spelling: 'advize' is incorrect.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence is CORRECT?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Advise' (with an 's') is a verb meaning 'to give counsel'. 'Advice' (with a 'c') is an uncountable noun meaning 'the counsel given'. You can *advise* someone and give them *advice*.
Yes, but it is very formal and business-like. In less formal contexts, 'Please let me know your thoughts' or 'I'd appreciate your guidance' might sound more natural.
Yes. For example, 'I advise waiting for more information' is correct. It's a common alternative to 'I advise you to wait...'.
The most common are 'on' and 'about'. 'She advises the company on financial strategy.' 'Can you advise me about visa requirements?' 'Advise of' is more formal and means 'inform about'.