advise
gb/ædvˈaɪz/ us/ædvˈaɪz/
B1
English
~ 1900
Senses
0 senses
Verb
B1
action
1
Offer recommendations or guidance
To tell someone what you think they should do.
Usage pattern:
to advise [someone] to [do something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'advise' (verb) with 'advice' (noun). For example, 'He advice me' is incorrect; it should be 'He advised me.'
Synonyms
recommend (Often used for suggesting actions or choices without the personal guidance aspect.)
|
suggest (More casual and less authoritative than 'advise'.)
Antonyms
discourage (Means to try to prevent someone from doing something, the opposite of advising to do it.)
Collocations
strongly advise
|advise against
|advise caution
|advise clients
Themes
communication
|daily life
|relationships
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- I advise you to start saving money early.
- The doctor advised her to rest for a few days.
- Our lawyer advised us against signing the contract.
- Teachers often advise students on their future careers.
Learner examples
- I advise you to eat more vegetables.
- The teacher advised me to read this book.
- She advised him to be careful.
- He advised us not to go there.
Verb
formal
B2
action
2
Give formal or expert guidance
To tell someone what they should do in a professional or official way.
Usage pattern:
to advise [someone] on [something]
Synonyms
counsel (Formal and often used in legal or psychological contexts.)
Collocations
advise clients
|advise customers
|advise the government
|advise on strategy
Themes
business
|law
|finance
Examples
- The consultant will advise the company on its expansion plans.
- Our accountant advised us on tax matters.
- The committee advises the government on public health issues.
Learner examples
- The lawyer advised me on my case.
- He advises companies about money.
- They advise the school on safety rules.
Verb
formal
B2
action
3
Notify formally or officially
To tell someone important information in a formal way.
Usage pattern:
to advise [someone] that [clause]
Synonyms
notify (More neutral and common in both formal and informal settings; 'advise' is more formal.)
Collocations
advise in writing
|advise immediately
|advise by email
Themes
business
|law
|communication
Examples
- We regret to advise you that your application was unsuccessful.
- Please advise us if you are unable to attend the meeting.
- The bank advised customers about changes to interest rates.
Learner examples
- The letter advised me that I got the job.
- They advised us about the new rules.
- He advised me that the train was late.
Grammar
Dictionary form
advise
IPA
GB/ædvˈaɪz/
US/ædvˈaɪz/
Syllables & stress
ad - vise (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (vise)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: advise
- 3rd Person Singular: advises
- Present Participle: advising
- Past: advised
Word family
Expressions
advise against
1/ædvˈaɪz əɡˈɛnst/
phrasal verb
Recommend avoiding an action
To tell someone that you think they should not do something.
Examples
- The doctor advised against heavy exercise during recovery.
- We strongly advise against investing in that scheme.
advise of
1/ædvˈaɪz əv/
phrasal verb
formal
Formally inform about something
To tell someone important information in a formal way.
Examples
- Please advise us of any changes to your address.
- The company will advise you of the final decision next week.
strongly advise
1/stɹˈɔŋli ædvˈaɪz/
fixed phrase
Firmly recommend an action
To tell someone with strong words that you think they should do something.
Examples
- I strongly advise you to back up your files regularly.
- They strongly advise wearing a helmet while cycling.