IELTS Grammar – Advice vs Advise: What’s the Difference and How to Use Them Correctly
International English Language Testing System ( IELTS )
If you often get confused between where to use advice and advise then we will help you out. Many a times these are mixed up, especially in Writing tasks. So how to identify which one to use and where? 'Advice' is a noun that refers to a suggestion or recommendation. 'Advise' on the other hand is used as a verb which also means offering suggestion or recommendation.
What is the Difference Between Advice and Advise?
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advice | Noun | A suggestion or recommendation | She gave me great advice before my exam. |
| Advise | Verb | To recommend or suggest something | I advise you to practice speaking every day. |
| Quick Tip: If you can put “give” in front of it, you need advice (noun). If you want to do something, you probably mean advise (verb). | |||
📎 Memory Hacks to Remember the Difference between Advice and Advise
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Advice has a “C” like in “noun”
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Advise has an “S” like in “suggest” (a verb)
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Think: “I give advice, I advise you.”
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Check the common mistakes made in the use of advice and advise below.
| Common Mistakes in using Advise and Advice |
||
|---|---|---|
| Common Mistakes |
Wrong Usage |
Right Usage |
Using Advise as a NounCorrection: Advise is a verb. If you mean a thing someone gives you, it is advice a noun. |
I got some good advise from my teacher. |
I got some good advice from my teacher. |
Using Advice as a VerbCorrection: Advice cannot perform an action so use advise to suggest or recommend. |
Can you advice me on how to prepare? |
Can you advise me on how to prepare? |
Confusing British vs American Spelling (But There Is None Here) |
Unlike words like “practice/practise,” both British and American English use: · Advice as noun · Advise as verb So do not change the form because there is no advize or advace. |
|
Misusing in Formal WritingCorrection: Advice is uncountable so never use an advice. Rather you can use some advice or a piece of advice. |
I would like to give you an advise regarding your essay. |
I would like to give you some advice regarding your essay.
|
Incorrect Use of Plural AdviceCorrection: Advice is uncountable noun so there is no advices in English. |
He gave me many advices. |
He gave me a lot of advice. OR He gave me several pieces of advice. |
Incorrect Verb Conjugation of AdviseCorrection: The correct past tense use of advise is advised and not adviced. |
She adviced me to focus more. |
She advised me to focus more. |
Repeating Advise and Advice TogetherCorrection: Redundant and awkward. Choose one correct structure - verb or noun. |
He advised me with good advice.
|
He advised me well. OR He gave me some good advice. |
Overusing Advise Formally in IELTS SpeakingCorrection: “Advise” sounds formal in speech — consider using simpler alternatives in casual IELTS Speaking contexts. |
I always advise my friends to sleep early. |
I usually tell my friends to sleep early.
|
When to Use
The difference between advice and advise will be more prominetly assessed for:
- IELTS Writing Task 2
- IELTS Speaking Part 3
Both of them will have questions that may require you to write or speak correct form of advice or advise. Based on your knowledge you will be marked.
🧾 Advice vs Advise - Sentence Structure Templates for IELTS Use
Using Advice (Noun)
- One piece of advice I often follow is...
- Experts give advice on...
- Her advice helped me improve my confidence.
Using Advise (Verb)
- I advise students to read daily.
- Most doctors advise regular exercise.
- He advised me not to worry about the result.
🧪 Quick Practice: Advice or Advise?
1. Fill in the blanks
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My teacher always gives good ______.
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I would strongly ______ you to start preparing early.
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Can I ask for your ______ on something personal?
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Most doctors ______ regular exercise and a balanced diet.
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She followed her mentor’s ______ and improved her speaking skills.
✅ Answers: 1. advice, 2. advise, 3. advice, 4. advise, 5. advice
2. Rewrite the Sentence Challenge
Convert the incorrect use of advice/advise in each sentence below:
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I advice you to revise grammar rules daily.
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Her father always gives great advise.
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The teacher advised us a useful.
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Can you give me some advise before the exam?
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She was adviced to rest, but she ignored it.
✅ Answers:
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I advise you to revise grammar rules daily.
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Her father always gives great advice.
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The teacher gave us some useful advice.
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Can you give me some advice before the exam?
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She was advised to rest, but she ignored it.
📚 Mini Quiz: Identify the Error
Spot and fix the mistake in each sentence below:
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I need your advise on this essay.
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Can you advice me how to improve my fluency?
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He gave me a good advise yesterday.
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I would advice checking your grammar before submitting.
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The teacher advise us to stay calm.
✅ Answers:
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advise ❌ → advice
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advice ❌ → advise
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advise ❌ → advice
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advice ❌ → advise
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advise ❌ → advised
Common Collocations to Remember
💡 Final Takeaway
Statement of Purpose
Letter of Recommendation
Student Visa Application
Admission Essay Writing
Student Curriculum Vitae
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