Noun or verb?

advice vs advise

Meaning, pronunciation, and examples

Advice is a noun for a helpful suggestion. Advise is the verb meaning “to give advice.” Advice ends with /s/; advise ends with /z/.

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American English

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Word 1

advice

noun

uhd-VICE

An opinion or suggestion offered to help someone decide what to do.

US pronunciation

/ədˈvaɪs/

UK IPA

/ədˈvaɪs/

Hear three samples

How to pronounce it

Stress VICE and end with an unvoiced /s/, with no vibration in your throat.

Word 2

advise

verb

uhd-VIZE

To recommend an action or give someone guidance.

US pronunciation

/ədˈvaɪz/

UK IPA

/ədˈvaɪz/

Hear three samples

How to pronounce it

Stress VIZE and finish with a voiced /z/, which should create a gentle buzz.

Sound contrast

How to tell them apart

The first two syllables are alike. At the end of advice, let air pass without vibration for /s/. At the end of advise, keep your voice on for /z/.

Direct answer

What is the difference?

You can give, receive, ask for, or follow advice. A person can advise someone to take an action. Advice is uncountable in standard English, so say “some advice” or “a piece of advice,” not “an advice.”

Listen in context

6 example sentences

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Examples with

advice

  1. Your advice was practical and kind.
  2. I asked my mentor for advice.
  3. Here is one useful piece of advice.

Examples with

advise

  1. The doctor advised me to rest.
  2. I advise you to check the details first.
  3. Experts advise caution during the storm.

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Content and pronunciation reviewed for General American and modern standard British English. Natural speech and usage vary by region, speaker, and context. Last reviewed .