Advice vs Advise: What’s the Difference Between these Two Words?

Advice or advise? It’s confusing and can be difficult, even for native English speakers to know when to use each word. Not to worry though! We have all the tips, tricks and key differences between these two words so that you’ll be writing and speaking English like a pro. Keep on reading!

Advice vs Advise: Listening and pronunciation tip

Advice: the end of the word sounds like “ice.”

Advise: the end of the word has a “z” sound. Ad-vize.

Advice: Definition, Usage, and Examples

A noun that means an opinion about something. It’s an uncountable noun. For example, an advice column is a noun. Someone asks for help and a “professional” answers it (online or in a newspaper or magazine).

Examples: 

• You should get some legal advice before signing that contract.
• There’s some good advice on the bank’s website about getting your first mortgage.
• Do you like to read advice columns?
• You know how I hate giving advice! You’ll have to decide for yourself.

Not Correct: 

Is there someone who can advice me about buying a new house?

Advise: Definition, Usage, and Examples

A verb that means to give an opinion or recommendation about something.

Examples: 

• My doctor advised me to stop smoking and drinking so much.
• The bike shop advised me to clean my chain after every few rides.
• Can you please advise me on the best course of action here? I’m not sure what I should do.
• I’m hoping that you can advise me on which computer is the right choice for my needs.

Not Correct: 

I need some advise about buying a home, please.

Advise or Advice: Practice

1. Your professor can _____ on which optional classes you should take.
2. That’s some great _____ about getting a dog. Thank you!
3. I just read the most interesting thing in an _____ column. This guy and his wife . . .
4. Would you mind giving me some _____ about starting my own business?
5. My lawyer _____ me to put everything in writing.
6. My parents love giving me _____ about pretty much everything!

Answers

1. advise
2. advice
3. advice
4. advice
5. advised
6. advise

Want to Find Out More?

You can find hundreds of confusing English words and word pairs in this book: Most Confusing Words in English Explained. Pick up a copy and ace your next TOEFL, TOEIC, or IELTS exam! Find out everything you need to know about it right here:

Speaking Practice for Advice Advise

After checking your fill-in-the-blank answers, try speaking each sentence to a friend. Or, record yourself speaking each sentence on your smartphone. Then listen and see if your pronunciation is clear and easy to understand.

More Confusing English Words

Do you need some more help with confusing words? Here are some other resources that can assist you on your English-learning journey. Have a look:

adverse averse 

after later

access excess 

all ready already 

except accept 

little/a little, small 

affect effect 

Join the Conversation

Do you have any tips or tricks for remembering the differences between these two words? Leave a comment below and let us know what you think. We’d love to hear from you.

Last update on 2022-08-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API