Differences between Advice and Advise
Advice vs. Advise[edit]
The English words advice and advise are often confused due to their similar spelling and pronunciation. The primary distinction between them lies in their grammatical function: "advice" is a noun, while "advise" is a verb.[1][2] In essence, to advise someone is to give them advice.[3]
Both words trace their origins back to the Latin word videre, meaning "to see".[4] The noun "advice" entered English around the 13th century from the Old French avis, meaning "opinion". The verb "advise" appeared in the late 14th century, also from Old French, from the word aviser, meaning "to deliberate or consider".[4]
Comparison Table[edit]
| Category | Advice | Advise |
|---|---|---|
| Part of Speech | Noun[5] | Verb[5] |
| Definition | An opinion or recommendation offered as a guide to action. | To offer an opinion or recommendation to someone. |
| Pronunciation | The final "c" is pronounced like an "s" (/ədˈvaɪs/), rhyming with "ice". | [3] The final "s" is pronounced like a "z" (/ədˈvaɪz/), rhyming with "realise". |
| [5]Plural Form | As an uncountable noun, it has no plural form; phrases like "pieces of advice" are used. | The verb is conjugated as "advises," "advised," and "advising". |
| [3]Example Sentence | The lawyer provided sound advice to her client. | I would[5] advise you to check the contract carefully. |
| Synonyms | Guidance, counsel, recommendation, suggestion. | Counsel,[1] recommend, caution, direct. |
[5]== Usage in Sentences ==[edit]
The correct usage depends on whether the sentence requires a noun or a verb. "Advice" functions as the name of a thing—the guidance being offered. For instance, "She gave me a useful piece of advice." Here, "advice" is the object being given.
Conversely, "advise" is an action word. For example, "The doctor will advise me on the best course of treatment." In this sentence, "advise" is the action the doctor will perform. The same distinction applies to related forms; a person who advises is an "adviser" or "advisor".
A common point of confusion arises in phrases like "Please advise." This is a correct and common request, typically in formal or business communication, asking someone to provide information or a recommendation. The incorrect form, "Please advice," confuses the verb with the noun.
References[edit]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "grammarly.com". Retrieved November 11, 2025.
- ↑ "gingersoftware.com". Retrieved November 11, 2025.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "dictionary.com". Retrieved November 11, 2025.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "etymonline.com". Retrieved November 11, 2025.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 "etymonline.com". Retrieved November 11, 2025.
