Confusable words

advice vs advise: what's the difference?

advice
noun
vs
advise
verb
? ?

Advice and advise are pronounced differently but often mixed up in writing, especially because the sound difference is subtle.

Advice

noun

Advice is a noun. It's the guidance or suggestion someone gives you. You cannot count it, so there is no "an advice" or "advices."

  • She gave me some great advice about my resume.
  • Can I ask you for some advice?

Advise

verb

Advise is a verb. It's the act of giving that guidance.

  • I would advise you to save more money.
  • The doctor advised him to rest for a week.

Side by side

advice advise
Part of speech Noun (uncountable) Verb
Sounds like "ad-VICE," like ice "ad-VISE," like eyes
Simple test "a piece of advice" "I advise you to..."

Quick rule

Advice is the noun, the thing you receive. Advise is the verb, the act of giving it.

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