English Dictionary
Definition advice in British English
advice
noun
What are red words?
Around 90% of spoken and written English relies on just 7,500 common words.
These words are highlighted in red and are ranked using a star system.
- One-star words are commonly used
- Two-star words are even more common
- Three-star words are the most frequently used
[uncountable]
noun
What are red words?
Around 90% of spoken and written English relies on just 7,500 common words.These words are highlighted in red and are ranked using a star system.
- One-star words are commonly used
- Two-star words are even more common
- Three-star words are the most frequently used
▪ expert, financial, legal, medical, practical, professional
▪ accept, ask for, disregard, follow, get, give, heed, ignore, need, obtain, offer, provide, receive, reject, seek, take, want
Advice is an uncountable noun, so:
▪ it is never used in the plural
▪ it never comes after an or a number
✗ Naomi Wolf gave me a good advice in her book.
✓ Naomi Wolf gave me some good advice in her book.
✗ They were always there to give practical advices.
✓ They were always there to give practical advice.
Q: How can I refer to a single item of advice, rather than to advice in general?
A: Advice is mostly used on its own or with some.
If you’re worried about it, contact your doctor for advice.
I think you should get some advice from a professional.
You can also say a word of advice, a piece of advice, or (informally) a bit of advice. But none of these expressions is common.
Don’t confuse advice (a noun) and advise (a verb):
✗ I would advice you to choose this company.
✓ I would advise you to choose this company.
Ways of giving advice
used when giving friendly advice
used when giving stronger advice
used when giving advice that is based on your own experience
used when offering advice to someone, even though they may not want to hear what you are telling them
used when giving advice in more formal and serious contexts
Examples:
I think you ought to see the doctor about that lump.
If I were you I’d stick with your job until something better comes along.
Why don’t you just tell her the truth? ♦ It’s a good idea to check the weather forecast before you leave.
You’d better hear her side of the story before you decide.
You’d better not drive if you’re feeling tired.
Take it from me, it’s not worth using one of those cheap car-hire companies.
If you want my advice, you should stay away from men like that.
You would be well advised to consult a lawyer before committing yourself.
an opinion that someone gives you about the best thing to do in a particular situation
Let me give you some advice.
She applied to York University on the advice of her teacher.
