Advice vs. Advise: What’s the Difference?
The main difference between advice and advise is that advice is something a person gives or gets, while advise is something a person does.
Meanings of advice and advise
When you look at the meanings of advice and advise, the difference between them grows clearer:
advice (noun): information or a suggestion about what a person should do
advise (verb): to give information about or suggest what a person should do; to give advice
Advice vs. advise examples
Comparing a few example sentences can also help you understand whether to use advice or advise.
Mr. Moreno advised the president on national security policy, and his advice was well received.
The Small Business Association website offers good advice for new business owners. It advises them to consider local zoning laws before launching their business.
When customers are indecisive, ice cream shop employees advise them to sample the flavors—advice that the customers never turn down.
How to remember the difference
Here are a couple of short rhymes that can help you remember how to spell and pronounce these two easily confused words:
Take my advice and think twice.
Please advise so I can be wise.
Synonyms for advice and advise
Synonyms for advice, a noun, are things a person gives or gets:
| guidance | pointers |
| guidelines | warning |
| direction | input |
| counsel | insight |
| recommendation | suggestion |
| tips | feedback |
Synonyms for advise, a verb, are things a person does:
| guide | warn |
| direct | suggest |
| counsel | urge |
| recommend | encourage |
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Which is correct: “please advice” or “please advise”?
Since advice is a noun and advise is a verb, “please advise” is the correct phrase.
What is the difference between advice and advise in UK English?
The difference between these two words is the same in UK English as it is in US English: advice is a noun, and advise is a verb. It’s like practice (noun) and practise (verb), although only practice is used in US English for both meanings.
