B1verb2K

Advise

UK /["/ədˈvaɪz/","/ədˈvaɪzɪz/","/ədˈvaɪzd/","/ədˈvaɪzɪŋ/"]/US /["/ədˈvaɪz/","/ədˈvaɪzɪz/","/ədˈvaɪzd/","/ədˈvaɪzɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to tell somebody what you think they should do in a particular situation

In simple words: To give someone a suggestion about what they should do.

Examples

  • I advise you to finish your homework before going out.
  • The doctor advised her to exercise regularly for better health.
  • Can you advise me on which course to take next semester?
  • He advised against investing in that particular stock.
  • It's always best to seek professional advice before making big decisions.

Usage notes

Use 'advise' in professional, academic, or personal contexts when offering guidance. Avoid using it in casual conversation where 'suggest' may feel more appropriate.

Grammar pattern

advise + object

Memory hint

Sounds like 'ad-vise' — think of giving advice as being like providing a guide.

Collocations

  • strongly
  • badly
  • wrongly
  • about
  • against
  • on
  • be ill advised to do something
  • be well advised to do something
  • strongly
  • badly
  • wrongly
  • about
  • against
  • on
  • be ill advised to do something
  • be well advised to do something
  • be pleased to
  • regret to
  • of
  • keep somebody advised

Synonyms

  • inform

Antonyms

  • ignore
  • neglect
  • disregard

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'advice'; 'advise' is a verb, 'advice' is a noun.
  • Using 'advise' without an object, e.g., saying 'I advise' without stating who or what.
  • Incorrectly using 'advise' in informal settings when a simpler word like 'tell' would work better.