Quick answer: Advise (verb, ends –ise, pronounced /z/) means to recommend or counsel: I advise you to rest. Advice (noun, ends –ice, pronounced /s/) is the recommendation itself: She gave me good advice. For a fuller definition, see the Cambridge Dictionary entry for ‘advise’.
Comparison Table
| Word | Part of Speech | Pronunciation | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| advise | verb | /ədˈvaɪz/ (ends in /z/) | The doctor advised me to rest. |
| advice | noun (uncountable) | /ədˈvaɪs/ (ends in /s/) | The doctor gave me good advice. |
Using Advise
Advise is a verb. It means to recommend a course of action, to give guidance, or to inform someone officially. It follows verb patterns: advise someone to do something or advise against something.
I would advise you to read the contract carefully.
The solicitor advised against signing.
We advise all passengers to arrive early.
Please advise us of any changes.
Memory Tip for Advise
Advise ends in -ise, like other English verbs: rise, surprise, recognise. If you can replace the word with “recommend”, you need the verb advise.
Using Advice
Advice is an uncountable noun. It refers to a recommendation or guidance. You cannot say an advice or advices — instead use a piece of advice, some advice, or a lot of advice.
She gave me some very useful advice.
That was a brilliant piece of advice.
He always follows his mother’s advice.
I need advice on how to proceed.
Memory Tip for Advice
Advice ends in -ice, like other English nouns: rice, ice, price, device. If you need a noun after words like give, take, seek, follow, use advice.
Common Mistakes
✗ Can you advice me on this?
✓ Can you advise me on this?
✗ She gave me an advice.
✓ She gave me a piece of advice. / She gave me some advice.
✗ My advise is to wait.
✓ My advice is to wait.
Also confusing: Accept vs Receive, Choose vs Decide, Already vs Yet. Browse all confusing word pairs →
Quick Check: Advise or Advice?
Four questions — choose the correct word for each sentence.
1. “Can you give me some ___ about finding a job?”
2. “I ___ you to consult a lawyer before signing.”
3. “That was a great piece of ___.”
4. “The doctor ___ against strenuous exercise.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between advise and advice?
Advise is a verb: “She advised me to rest.” Advice is a noun: “She gave me good advice.” They are related in meaning but different in grammatical function. Confusing them is a very common mistake in written English.
How do I remember advise vs advice?
A simple trick: advice (noun) ends in -ice, which is a noun (like rice or ice). Advise (verb) ends in -ise, like other verbs (rise, surprise). Also, advice rhymes with “nice” (noun); advise rhymes with “rise” (verb).
How is advice pronounced?
Advice is pronounced /ədˈvaɪs/ — the final sound is /s/ like in “nice”. Advise is pronounced /ədˈvaɪz/ — the final sound is /z/ like in “rise”. This pronunciation difference is a helpful clue.
Is advice countable or uncountable?
Advice is an uncountable noun in English. You cannot say “an advice” or “advices”. Instead say: “a piece of advice”, “some advice”, “a lot of advice”.
Can I say “an advice”?
No. Advice is uncountable, so you cannot use “an advice”. Say “a piece of advice” or “some advice” instead: “She gave me a piece of advice” or “She gave me some advice”.
What is the noun form of advise?
The noun form of the verb advise is advice. There is also “adviser” or “advisor” (a person who advises) and “advisory” (an adjective meaning giving advice, or a noun for an official warning).
What is the verb form of advice?
The verb form of the noun advice is advise. If you need a verb, always use advise: “I advise you to see a doctor” — not “I advice you”.
What are common phrases with advise?
Common phrases with advise include: “advise someone to do something”, “advise against something”, “I would advise caution”, “please advise” (formal request for instructions).
What are common phrases with advice?
Common phrases with advice include: “take advice”, “give advice”, “ask for advice”, “a piece of advice”, “follow advice”, “seek professional advice”, “on the advice of”.
How do advise and advice appear in IELTS writing?
In IELTS, confusing advise and advice is a common spelling error that affects the Lexical Resource band. Remember: use advise as a verb in your sentences and advice as a noun. “I would advise against it” / “My advice is to try again”.