What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
advise
Example
I would advise you to study hard for the exam. [advise: verb]
Example
She sought advice from her mentor before making the final decision. [advice: noun]
counsel
Example
The lawyer counseled his client on the best course of action. [counseled: verb]
Example
The school counselor provided emotional counsel to the student. [counsel: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Advise is more commonly used than counsel in everyday language. Advise is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while counsel is more specific and often used in professional or legal settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between advise and counsel?
Counsel is typically associated with a more formal or official tone, while advise can be used in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.