Giving Advice in English: Complete Grammar and Usage Guide

Life presents moments when individuals need advice from others or when guidance becomes necessary during challenging situations. The approaches to asking and giving advice in English vary significantly based on each circumstance. PREP has compiled effective methods to both provide and receive advice, offering proven techniques for mastering this essential communication skill.

I. What is English advice? 

English advice encompasses suggestions given to encourage or counsel someone effectively. Different situations and timing call for various approaches to delivering guidance in English communication. Mastering these techniques enables speakers to provide meaningful support across diverse contexts. 

For example:

• You should exercise regularly if you want to stay healthy.

• If I were you, I would take part in the swimming club. 

• His doctor advised him against smoking.

II. Formula to give advice in English

Providing accurate advice requires careful consideration of the situation to make appropriate recommendations. Effective communication demands understanding the context, relationship dynamics, and cultural nuances that influence how guidance should be delivered. Below are some suggestions from PREP on delivering advice in English with precision and sensitivity:

1. Give advice in English by modal verbs

Many modal verbs serve to give advice in English, with 'should' being the most common choice among native speakers and learners alike. These versatile grammatical tools allow speakers to express varying degrees of certainty, politeness, and urgency in their recommendations.

When using modal verbs to give advice in English, attention to each verb's degree of intensity and combination with appropriate tone prevents misunderstandings that could make advice sound like commanding instructions rather than helpful suggestions.

2. Give advice in English by verbs: Advise, Recommend and Suggest

Three fundamental verbs form the backbone of advice-giving in English communication: advise, recommend, and suggest. Each carries distinct connotations and requires specific grammatical structures to convey meaning effectively. Understanding these differences enables speakers to choose the most appropriate verb for each situation.

2.1. Advise

When discussing 'advice', the connection with 'advise' becomes apparent through their shared linguistic family. These two words represent different grammatical functions while maintaining semantic unity—one functioning as a noun and the other as a verb. Mastering both forms enables precise communication when offering recommendations or seeking guidance.

• Advise (verb): give suggestions to someone.

• Advice (noun): instructions, guidance.

2.2.Recommend or suggest

Besides Advise, Recommend and Suggest represent two commonly used verbs in English advice-giving contexts. These verbs prove particularly effective when proposing something beneficial and appropriate for someone's specific circumstances. Their usage patterns demonstrate subtle differences in formality and directness.

3. Give advice in English by questions

Instead of offering direct advice, posing suggestive questions enables listeners to explore answers and resolve their own issues through guided discovery. This approach demonstrates respect for personal autonomy while still providing valuable guidance. The questioning technique often proves more effective than direct statements, as it engages critical thinking and personal reflection.

4. Put yourselves in others’ perspective to give advice in English

Adopting someone else's perspective facilitates empathy, understanding, and the provision of genuinely useful advice. This approach demonstrates emotional intelligence and consideration for individual circumstances. 

If I were you, I would/could…

Examples:

• If I were you, I would take a break and go for a walk to clear my head.

• If I were you, I would apply for that job opportunity you've been considering.

• If I were you, I would apologize to my friend for the misunderstanding and try to make things right.

III. Formula for asking English advice

Requesting advice effectively requires understanding appropriate structures and maintaining respectful communication patterns. PREP has prepared comprehensive structures below for requesting English advice from various sources and contexts.

IV. Tips to respond to English advice

The manner of response significantly impacts the advice-giver's willingness to provide future support and demonstrates appreciation for their time and effort. Mastering appropriate responses enhances communication effectiveness and strengthens interpersonal connections.

1. Accept the advice

Expressing satisfaction and contentment with received advice requires genuine appreciation and acknowledgment of the guidance provided. These responses demonstrate respect for the advisor's time and expertise while indicating openness to implementing their suggestions.

• Thank you, I really appreciate your advice.

• That's a good point, I'll definitely consider it.

• I hadn't thought of it that way before, thanks for bringing it to my attention.

• I see what you mean, I'll give it a try.

• Your advice makes a lot of sense, I'll take it into consideration.

2. Refuse the advice politely

Declining advice while maintaining positive relationships requires diplomatic communication skills and sensitivity to the advisor's feelings. Sometimes advice doesn't align with current circumstances or personal preferences, making graceful refusal necessary. These responses demonstrate appreciation for the effort while asserting personal autonomy in decision-making.

• Thank you for your advice, but I think I'll try something different.

• I appreciate your suggestion, but I have my own way of doing things.

• I understand where you're coming from, but I don't think that's the best approach for me.

• Thanks for your input, but I don't think that would work for me.

• I appreciate your advice, but I'm going to follow my instincts on this one.

This comprehensive guide on delivering advice in English proves valuable for developing advanced communication skills. Regular practice of these techniques builds confidence and fluency in professional and personal interactions. Mastering the art of giving and receiving advice enhances relationships, demonstrates cultural sensitivity, and establishes credibility in English-speaking environments. Success in English communication studies awaits dedicated learners who apply these techniques consistently across diverse contexts.