What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
consult
Example
I need to consult with my lawyer before signing the contract. [consult: verb]
Example
Please consult the manual for instructions on how to operate the machine. [consult: verb]
Example
Let's consult with the team before making a final decision. [consult: verb]
counsel
Example
The lawyer counseled his client on the best course of action. [counseled: past tense]
Example
She sought counsel from her friends after the breakup. [counsel: noun]
Example
He attended counseling sessions to deal with his anxiety. [counseling: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Consult is more commonly used than counsel in everyday language. Consult is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while counsel is more specific and often used in professional or therapeutic settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between consult and counsel?
Counsel is typically associated with a formal or professional tone, while consult can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
