IELTS Grammar – Advice vs Advise: What’s the Difference and How to Use Them Correctly
International English Language Testing System ( IELTS )
If you're confused between advice and advise, you're not alone. Many IELTS test-takers mix these two up, especially in Speaking and Writing tasks. Let's clear the fog and make sure you use them like a native speaker. "Advice" is a noun that refers to a suggestion or recommendation. "Advise" is a verb, meaning to offer a 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
-
Advice has a “C” like in “noun”
-
Advise has an “S” like in “suggest” (a verb)
-
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's "advice" (noun). |
I got some good advise from my teacher. |
I got some good advice from my teacher. |
Using “Advice” as a VerbCorrection: "Advice" can't perform an action - 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 don’t overcorrect - no "advize" or "advace" exists. |
|
Misusing in Formal WritingCorrection: “Advice” is uncountable - never use “an advice.” 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.
|
Pluralizing “Advice” IncorrectlyCorrection: “Advice” is uncountable. Don’t use “advices” — it doesn’t exist in standard 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 “Advise”Correction: The correct past tense of “advise” is “advised,” 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
1. IELTS Writing Task 2-
Question- People believe that students should be required to do unpaid work. Do you agree or disagree?
Incorrect: Experts advice doing such work builds character.
Correct: Experts advise that doing such work builds character.
2. IELTS Speaking Part 3-
Question- Do you think people follow advice from older generations?
Sample Response- Yes, in my culture, elders often give advice about relationships, finances, and even career choices.
🧾 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
-
My teacher always gives good ______.
-
I would strongly ______ you to start preparing early.
-
Can I ask for your ______ on something personal?
-
Most doctors ______ regular exercise and a balanced diet.
-
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:
-
I advice you to revise grammar rules daily.
-
Her father always gives great advise.
-
The teacher advised us a useful.
-
Can you give me some advise before the exam?
-
She was adviced to rest, but she ignored it.
✅ Answers:
-
I advise you to revise grammar rules daily.
-
Her father always gives great advice.
-
The teacher gave us some useful advice.
-
Can you give me some advice before the exam?
-
She was advised to rest, but she ignored it.
📚 Mini Quiz: Identify the Error
Spot and fix the mistake in each sentence below:
-
I need your advise on this essay.
-
Can you advice me how to improve my fluency?
-
He gave me a good advise yesterday.
-
I would advice checking your grammar before submitting.
-
The teacher advise us to stay calm.
✅ Answers:
-
advise ❌ → advice
-
advice ❌ → advise
-
advise ❌ → advice
-
advice ❌ → advise
-
advise ❌ → advised
Common Collocations to Remember
💡 Final Takeaway
Statement of Purpose
Letter of Recommendation
Student Visa Application
Admission Essay Writing
Student Curriculum Vitae
Comments
(1307)