Advice vs Advise: Noun vs Verb

One Letter Changes Everything

Quick Answer

Advice = noun (the recommendation). Advise = verb (to give a recommendation).

Memory trick: AdviCe = noun (like iCe). AdviSe = verb (like superviSe).

When to Use "Advice" (Noun)

Advice is a noun—the thing you give or receive.

  • Thank you for your advice. → the recommendation ✓
  • I need some advice. → the thing ✓
  • His advice was helpful. → the recommendation ✓
  • Take my advice. → the recommendation ✓
  • A piece of advice. → the thing ✓

When to Use "Advise" (Verb)

Advise is a verb—the action of giving advice.

  • I advise you to study hard. → action ✓
  • Let me advise you. → action ✓
  • She advised against it. → action (past) ✓
  • We advise caution. → action ✓
  • He advises the president. → action ✓

Comparison Chart

Word Definition Trick to Remember Example Sentence
Advice Noun: the recommendation AdviCe = noun (like iCe) "Thanks for your advice."
Advise Verb: to recommend AdviSe = verb (like superviSe) "I advise you to wait."

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

❌ Incorrect:

"Let me give you some advise."

✓ Correct:

"Let me give you some advice."

Why? You're giving a thing (noun)—use "advice."
❌ Incorrect:

"I advice you to be careful."

✓ Correct:

"I advise you to be careful."

Why? You're doing an action (verb)—use "advise."
❌ Incorrect:

"Thank you for the advise."

✓ Correct:

"Thank you for the advice."

Why? "The" shows it's a thing (noun)—use "advice."
❌ Incorrect:

"She advice me to quit."

✓ Correct:

"She advised me to quit."

Why? She performed an action—use "advised" (verb past tense).
❌ Incorrect:

"His advise was helpful."

✓ Correct:

"His advice was helpful."

Why? "His [thing] was helpful"—it's a noun, use "advice."

Quick Tips

💡 C = Noun

AdviCe (C) is a noun, like notice, practice, ice.

✅ S = Verb

AdviSe (S) is a verb, like supervise, exercise, practise (UK).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is "advice" uncountable?

Yes! You can't say "advices." Use "pieces of advice" or "some advice" instead.

What about "advisor" vs "adviser"?

Both spellings are correct! "Adviser" is more traditional, but "advisor" is common in American English.

How are they pronounced differently?

AdvICE ends with an "s" sound (/ədˈvaɪs/). AdVISE ends with a "z" sound (/ədˈvaɪz/).

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