Grammar Clinic: The REAL difference between ADVICE and ADVISE

Advice and advise do not only have different meanings, but are also pronounced differently. Advise is a verb, and advice is a noun. So advice is what is given, while the act of giving advice is called advising (or to advise).

Differences in usage and meaning

Advice is a noun. It is a suggestion or recommendation.

• His advice was sound and everyone listened to him.
• I am seeking your advice because you are more experienced in such matters.
• She made use of the suggestions she found in the advice column.
• Take my advice and quit your job to focus on your schooling.

Advise is a verb. It means “to give advice” and therefore refers to the act of giving advice.

• I advise you to resign from your position.
• My lawyer has advised me to settle this matter out of court.
• She has a strictly advisory role in this project.
• I am advising three students on their WAEC exam.
• I was advised to visit the local embassy.