Word confusion

[kevshakry]

Can anyone tell me what is the difference between ADVICE and ADVISE. Please break it down so i completely understand. i looked in dictionary but seem to mean the same. Preferably tell me in what context they are used.

[Quizmonster]

In British English, 'advice' is a noun and 'advise' is a verb. So, you might find a sentence which reads: "I'd like to ask you for some advice, John." Another sentence might read: "I tried to advise him against doing that, but he ignored me."

[shammydodger]

Advice is the noun. In this case, an abstract noun in as much that there is no physical entity that it is describing. Thus, I can give you this advice, though not physically hand it to you.

Advise is the verb, or what teachers of children often call a "doing" word. It is used to describe the action of the subject of the sentence. Thus, I will advise you to take my advice and attempt to make up some of your own sentences in order to familiarise youself with the differing usages of "advice" and "advise."

Hope that helps!

[shammydodger]

Aha Quizzy, beat me to it!

[Quizmonster]

It's a bit annoying, isn't it, Shammy? But it all pans out in the end...next time you'll probably pip me at the post.

[Ethel]

You sought advice and were correctly advised of the proper useage.

[shammydodger]

I think Kev should try and write some of his own sentences using these words, post them and allow us to mark them. It might help him get it straight. I have my red biro at the ready. What do you say, Kev?

[shammydodger]

...Then we can move on to practise this practice on more of these types of words.

[Quizmonster]

There could be a problem here, if one were to become too prescriptive, in that American usage does not always follow the British model. I don't think they differentiate 'practice' and 'practise', for instance.

[shammydodger]

Quite right, Quizzy. I lived and worked there for 5 years; taught freshman chemistry, to be precise. There were many times when the students and I were divided by a common language, not to mention our accents (mine being rather broad Yorkshire.) Try using "penultimate" or "fortnight" in the presence of our American friends and observe the blank looks. As for practise/practice, they use the former exclusively. I'm not sure about advise/advice.

[jno]

Americans do distinguish between advice and advise, just as the British do, perhaps because (unlike practise) they are pronounced differently. They dump superfluous letters from program and catalog. They also distinguish between meet and meet with, which the British don't, though perhaps they should.

As everyone else has said kevshakry: you ask for advice so they advise you.

[kevshakry]

ok here i go (oh im a lady)

1. Can i get some advice on how to handle life

2. I am seeking your advise.

Gosh im not getting it. its not that my head is tough but let me read all your answers in deeply again

[kevshakry]

is it that advice is what i ask for and advise is what someone gives u? am i right

[shammydodger]

Kev

Sorry for getting your gender wrong. I had a 50% chance and blew it.

Whether you ask for advice or whether somebody gives you advice, it's the same use of the word advice. If, for example, you asked for a book or somebody gave you a book, can you appreciate that it's the same use of the word book? That is, a book in the physical sense that somebody can pass to you?

Now, if I asked you to book a restaurant table so that we might have an intimate meal together (!), can you appreciate that "book" in this sense is a verb because I am asking you to "do" something?

Now, with book as a noun and a verb, the word book is spelt the same.

With advice/advise, the noun and the verb are spelt differently Advice is the noun. It is something I can give to you or you can give to me. Imagine it as a box that can be passed between us if that helps.

Advise is the verb. You can advise me to sling my hook. That is "Oi, "do" one!"

Any clearer?

[shammydodger]

Kev

When you think you've got it, have a go at these as a bit of a test. No, I'm not trying to patronise you, I'm merely a firm believer in the idea of practice makes perfect!

1. I went to the car salesroom the other day but was given some poor advice/advise.
2. When I want your advice/advise I will ask for it.
3. Will you advice/advise me on which is the mildest curry that you do?
4. You would be well adviced/advised to keep your mouth shut and your eyes open!
5. I must advice/advise you that anything you say will be taken down.
6. I must say that the advice/advise that Shammydodger has given has been most helpful. I wouldn�t hesitate to advise others to ask for his help.
7. Edelweiss/Edelweicc, every morning you greet me.

[kevshakry]

thanks that was some well paid lesson. thanks for the advice. :-)

[shammydodger]

Hooray!

Glad it's helped.

That'll be 50 guineas, please :).

[kevshakry]

blow kiss on your cheek!!!!!!!!!!

[shammydodger]

Blushes :)

[Clanad]

Gee, Q, I thought you had answered this query 17 posts ago...

[jno]

Clanad it's possible - I don't know - that English isn't kevshakry's first language, in which case terms like noun and verb need spelling out a bit more.