Words: Advice vs. advise

Dear reader,

English is my second language. learned it as an adult. Since I love to learn properly, grammar has been my best friend.

With this short poem, I was trying to make the distinction between advice and advise after I realized I had used the improper spelling of the word. Actually, I thought it was only one word long ago.

When you write, you learn. My advise if you are trying to make a distinction between the two words is to use them in writing. I know now, before, while I was confused and knew I could make a mistake, I would search the difference and find help from a blog post like this one or an article.

Difference between advice and advise

The difference between advise and advice is simple:

• Advice is a noun, meaning a suggestion or recommendation. Example: “She gave me great advice.”
• Advise is a verb, meaning to offer a suggestion. Example: “I advise you to listen carefully.”

Tip: Use “advice” when you’re talking about the suggestion itself, and use “advise” when you’re talking about giving or offering that suggestion.

To advice is a verb or a word that refers to action. The action is advising. The word is spelled with an s whenever you say TO ADVISE or ADVISING because these refer to the verb or the action of advising another.

A noun is a thing, wether a physical thing like a table or a non physical thing such as advice

Sentences and examples

When someone is giving a suggestion or recommendation, the action is called advising. So, “advising” is the act of offering advice.

Advice is the thing: the words or suggestions and to advise is the action of saying the advice.

For example:

• Verb: “The teacher is advising the students to study.”
• Noun: “The advice she gave was helpful.”

Just remember: the action of giving advice = advising!

Here are a few simple sentences for children to help them remember the difference between advise and advice:

1. Advice is a thing you give.
   • Example: “My mom gave me good advice on making friends.”
2. Advise is an action you do.
   • Example: “Teachers advise students to study hard.”
3. Advice has a “c” because it’s like ice—a thing you can have.
   • Example: “His advice helped me.”
4. Advise has an “s” because it’s like say—something you do.
   • Example: “Doctors advise us to eat healthy.”

These can make it fun and easier for children to remember the difference!

Was this helpful?

Feel free to use my poem in your lesson or class or as a reminder.

Please tell me if you would like to see more like this,

With love,

Eve