Signification
To offer suggestions or guidance to someone.
Contexte culturel
Americans often value 'direct' advice but usually wait for a signal that it's welcome. Using 'If I were you...' is a common way to soften the advice. British people may use 'understatement' when giving advice to avoid sounding bossy. They might say 'You might want to...' instead of 'You should...' In Japan, giving direct advice can be seen as making someone 'lose face.' Advice is often given very subtly or through a third party. German advice is often very direct and honest. It is seen as a sign of respect to give someone clear, actionable guidance.
The 'Ice' Rule
Advice ends in 'ice'. Just like you can't count 'an ice', you can't count 'an advice'.
Unsolicited Advice
Be careful! Giving advice when no one asked can sometimes make people annoyed.
Signification
To offer suggestions or guidance to someone.
The 'Ice' Rule
Advice ends in 'ice'. Just like you can't count 'an ice', you can't count 'an advice'.
Unsolicited Advice
Be careful! Giving advice when no one asked can sometimes make people annoyed.
Softening the Blow
Use 'Can I give you some advice?' to be more polite than just starting to talk.
Expertise Matters
In many cultures, you only give advice if you are older or more experienced than the other person.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct sentence.
Which of these is correct?
Advice is uncountable, so we use 'some' and never 'an' or 'advices'.
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'give'.
Yesterday, my teacher ____ me great advice about the exam.
The sentence is in the past tense ('Yesterday'), so we use the past form 'gave'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: I'm so stressed about work! B: Can I ____ ____ ____ advice?
'Give you some' is the most natural and grammatically correct way to offer help.
Match the advice to the situation.
Situation: Your friend is always late. What advice do you give?
An alarm clock helps people be on time.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Advice vs. Advise
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesWhich of these is correct?
Advice is uncountable, so we use 'some' and never 'an' or 'advices'.
Yesterday, my teacher ____ me great advice about the exam.
The sentence is in the past tense ('Yesterday'), so we use the past form 'gave'.
A: I'm so stressed about work! B: Can I ____ ____ ____ advice?
'Give you some' is the most natural and grammatically correct way to offer help.
Situation: Your friend is always late. What advice do you give?
An alarm clock helps people be on time.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsAlmost never. In very rare legal contexts, it might appear, but for 99.9% of English, it is a mistake. Always use 'advice'.
Advice (with a C) is the noun (the thing you give). Advise (with an S) is the verb (the action you do).
Yes! This is the correct way to talk about one single suggestion.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
You can say, 'Could you give me some advice on...?'
It is advice that someone gives you even though you didn't ask for it.
Yes, but adding 'some' (give me some advice) sounds more natural to native speakers.
A 'tip' is usually a small, quick piece of advice. 'Advice' can be more serious or long-term.
Yes, people often say 'I gave myself some advice' when they are thinking about a decision.
It means very good, logical, and reliable advice.
Since 'advice' is uncountable, 'piece' acts as a container so we can count it.
Both are correct! 'Advice on' is slightly more common for specific topics.
Expressions liées
Take advice
contrastTo follow the suggestions given by someone.
Offer advice
similarTo politely suggest help.
A piece of advice
specialized formOne single suggestion.
Advise someone
builds onThe verb form of giving advice.
Ask for advice
contrastTo request help or suggestions.
