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B1 Noun, Verb #33 most common 4 min read

counsel

At the B1 CEFR level, understanding the word 'counsel' is useful for discussing advice and legal matters.

As a noun, it means advice, like when someone gives you good counsel about a decision, or it can refer to a lawyer.

As a verb, 'counsel' means to give someone advice, often professional advice, or to recommend something strongly.

You might hear it in contexts such as, "The teacher offered counsel to the students," or "She decided to counsel her friend through a difficult time."

It's a more formal way to say 'advice' or 'advise'.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

§ Counsel: Where You Hear This Word

The word "counsel" is one of those versatile terms that appears in various contexts, from formal legal settings to everyday advice-giving situations. Understanding its nuances as both a noun and a verb can significantly enhance your comprehension, especially at a CEFR B1 level. Let's explore where you're likely to encounter this word in daily life, work, school, and the news.

§ In the Workplace

In a professional environment, "counsel" often refers to advice, especially when it's formal or expert in nature. You might hear about legal counsel, financial counsel, or even career counsel. It implies a level of expertise and responsibility in the advice given.
DEFINITION
As a noun, counsel refers to advice or guidance provided to someone, or a lawyer representing a client.

The company sought legal counsel before making its decision.

As a verb, to "counsel" someone in a work setting means to advise them, often formally. This could be a manager counseling an employee on performance, or a mentor counseling a mentee on career development.
DEFINITION
As a verb, it means to give professional advice or to recommend a specific course of action.

The HR department will counsel employees on their benefits options.

§ In Academic Settings

At school or university, you might encounter "counsel" in the context of academic or career guidance. Students often seek counsel from advisors or counselors regarding their studies or future plans.

She received valuable counsel from her academic advisor.

The verb form is also relevant, as teachers or mentors might counsel students on how to improve their performance or make important decisions.

The professor will counsel the students on their research projects.

§ In the News and Media

News reports frequently use "counsel," particularly in legal and political contexts. You'll often read about "defense counsel" or "prosecution counsel" when referring to lawyers involved in a court case. This is a common and important usage of the noun form.

The defense counsel presented a strong argument.

Beyond legal news, you might also hear politicians or experts counsel the public on various issues, from economic policy to public health. Here, the verb emphasizes the guidance being offered to a broader audience.

Experts counsel caution in the face of rising inflation.

§ Everyday Usage

While "counsel" might sound formal, it can also appear in more general conversations, especially when discussing important life decisions or moral dilemmas. It can be used to describe the act of seeking or giving thoughtful guidance.
  • NOUN
    "I asked my parents for their counsel before deciding on a university."
  • VERB
    "She tried to counsel him against making a hasty decision."
Even in less formal settings, "counsel" still carries a weight of seriousness and consideration, distinguishing it from casual advice. It often suggests a more deliberate and impactful exchange of guidance.

§ Key Takeaways for CEFR B1 Learners

For B1 learners, recognizing the dual nature of "counsel" as both a noun and a verb is crucial. Pay attention to the context to understand whether it refers to:
  • ADVICE (NOUN)
    Formal or expert guidance.
  • LAWYER (NOUN)
    A legal representative.
  • TO ADVISE (VERB)
    To give professional or important guidance.
By actively noticing how "counsel" is used in different situations, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for its meaning and be able to use it more accurately in your own communication. It's a word that bridges the gap between everyday communication and more formal, specialized language, making it a valuable addition to your B1 vocabulary.

Examples by Level

1

She gave me good counsel about my new job.

She gave me good advice about my new job.

Here, 'counsel' is used as a noun meaning advice.

2

The lawyer is my counsel in this case.

The lawyer is my representative in this case.

Here, 'counsel' is used as a noun referring to a lawyer.

3

I will counsel him to be careful.

I will advise him to be careful.

Here, 'counsel' is used as a verb meaning to give advice.

4

They sought counsel from an expert.

They looked for advice from an expert.

Here, 'counsel' is used as a noun meaning advice or guidance.

5

She was appointed as defense counsel.

She was chosen as the lawyer for the defense.

Here, 'counsel' is used as a noun referring to a lawyer.

6

My parents often counsel me on important decisions.

My parents often advise me on important decisions.

Here, 'counsel' is used as a verb meaning to advise.

7

He ignored his friends' counsel.

He didn't listen to his friends' advice.

Here, 'counsel' is used as a noun meaning advice.

8

The teacher will counsel the students about their studies.

The teacher will advise the students about their studies.

Here, 'counsel' is used as a verb meaning to advise.

How to Use It

Usage Notes:

Counsel (Noun):

  • Can refer to advice or guidance: "I sought counsel from my mentor."
  • Can refer to a lawyer or group of lawyers: "The defense counsel presented their arguments."
  • Often used in more formal contexts than "advice."
  • The plural form is typically "counsel" as well when referring to lawyers (e.g., "the two counsel").

Counsel (Verb):

  • Means to give advice or guidance: "The therapist counseled the couple."
  • Can also mean to recommend: "She counseled caution in their investments."
  • Often implies a professional or serious context.

Common Mistakes

Common Mistakes:

  • Confusing with 'council': 'Council' refers to a group of people assembled for deliberation or administration (e.g., "the city council"), while 'counsel' is advice or a lawyer. These words are often confused due to similar pronunciation.
  • Using 'counsels' as a plural noun for advice: While 'counsels' can be a third-person singular verb, the noun 'counsel' (meaning advice) is typically uncountable and does not take an 's' for plural (e.g., 'much counsel,' not 'many counsels').
  • Overusing 'counsel' when 'advice' or 'advise' would be more natural: 'Counsel' can sound more formal. In everyday conversation, 'advice' (noun) and 'advise' (verb) are often more appropriate. For example, instead of "I counseled him to eat healthy," you might say "I advised him to eat healthy."
  • Incorrect past tense: The past tense of the verb 'to counsel' is 'counseled' (American English) or 'counselled' (British English), not 'counselled'.

Test Yourself 18 questions

listening A1

Listen for the word that means advice.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: My friend gave me good counsel.
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening A1

Listen for the word that means to give advice.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: The lawyer will counsel his client.
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening A1

Listen for the word that means guidance.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: She needs counsel on her problem.
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking A1

Read this aloud:

I need counsel.

Focus: counsel

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking A1

Read this aloud:

Can you counsel me?

Focus: counsel

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking A1

Read this aloud:

Good counsel is helpful.

Focus: counsel, helpful

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
sentence order A1

Tap words below to build the sentence
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: I need counsel about my future.

This sentence asks for advice regarding one's future.

sentence order A1

Tap words below to build the sentence
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: The lawyer is my counsel.

In this sentence, 'counsel' refers to a lawyer.

sentence order A1

Tap words below to build the sentence
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: She will counsel him on his choices.

This sentence means she will give him advice on his choices.

listening B2

Listen for the noun form of 'counsel' in the context of legal advice.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: The experienced attorney offered sound counsel to his client regarding the complex legal case.
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening B2

Pay attention to the noun 'counsel' as it relates to professional advice.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: It is always wise to seek counsel from experts before making major financial decisions.
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening B2

Listen for the verb form of 'counsel' in the context of providing guidance.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer: The therapist will counsel the patient on effective coping mechanisms for stress management.
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking B2

Read this aloud:

Can you counsel me on the best approach to negotiate my salary?

Focus: counsel

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking B2

Read this aloud:

My counsel advised me to accept the settlement offer.

Focus: counsel

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking B2

Read this aloud:

The government sought counsel from various economists to address the financial crisis.

Focus: counsel

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

/ 18 correct

Perfect score!

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