29.09.2011

Advice vs Advise

Today I'd like to present two confusing words in the English language: advice and advise. The first one is spelt with "c" (advice) and is an uncountable. It means an opinion you give someone about what they should do. Examples:
There's lots of advice in the book on baby care.
Could you give me some advice about buying a home?
If I were you, I'd get some legal advice.
I want to ask your advice about where to stay.
I followed my father's advice and sold the car.
Take my advice and study something practical.
Let me give you a piece of advice. Wear a blue suit to the interview.

However, the word spelt with "s" (advise) is a verb and it refers to an activity where you tell someone what you think they should do, especially when you know more than they do about something. Examples:
She needed someone to advise her.
'Make sure that you keep the documents in a safe place,' Otley advised him.
advise somebody to do something
Evans advised him to leave London.
You are strongly advised to take out medical insurance when visiting China.
Experts advise that sunscreen be reapplied every one to two hours.