| Grammatically Correct 03/09/05 A weekly grammar tip created by Academic Center Peer Writing Tutors. |
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| Advice versus Advise by Kelli Trungale |
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| These two words are often misused because their spellings
only differ by one letter. However, their meanings are actually quite different
from one another.
Advice is a noun. It is generally comparable to words such as “input,” “direction,” or “guidance.” Ex: Joseph needed advice concerning his degree plan. Ex: Can you think of any advice to offer recent college graduates? Advise is often used as a transitive verb. Transitive verbs are action words that refer to a specific object. When used as this type of verb, advise means “to provide suggestions or recommendations to.” Ex: Teachers should advise students to take their time when doing homework. Note that in the above sentence, “students” is the object that directly follows the transitive verb advise. Advise is sometimes used as an intransitive verb. Intransitive verbs do not refer to an object. When used as this type of verb, advise means “to consult.” Ex: The literature professor advises every morning. Note that in the above sentence, advise is not followed directly by an object. |
Definitions Advice (n) Advise(v) transitive Advise (v) intransitive Definitions are adapted from the Longman Advanced American Dictionary
and Merriam-Webster’s website. |
| Recommended Grammar Website of the Week by Kelli Trungale |
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Along with our website, we recommend the following site: Purdue University Online Writing Lab - Spelling: Common Words That Sound Alike. This site contains several helpful examples and definitions of groups of words that are pronounced and/or spelled similarly. It also provides links to other useful sections and handouts regarding various writing and grammar topics. |
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| Test Your Knowledge by Kelli Trungale |
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| Test your understanding by choosing the correct word in each
of the following sentences.
1. Daniel’s attorney did not want to (advice/advise) him about his traffic tickets without charging him a hefty fee. 2. My (advice/advise) to those traveling abroad is to have a passport handy at all times. 3. Dr. Robert does not feel comfortable when he is asked to (advice/advise) on medical subjects he is unfamiliar with. Answers 1. Daniel’s attorney did not want to advise him about his traffic tickets without charging him a hefty fee. 2. My advice to those traveling to abroad is to have a passport handy at all times. 3. Dr. Robert does not feel comfortable when he is asked to advise on
medical subjects he is unfamiliar with. |
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Grammatically Correct is a grammar tip of the week created by Academic Center Peer Writing Tutors at the University of Houston-Victoria in Victoria, Texas. Comments about this newsletter should be directed to Summer Leibensperger, leibenspergers@uhv.edu. Subscribe/Unsubscribe/View Archive
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