What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
warn
Example
I need to warn you that the road ahead is very slippery. [warn: verb]
Example
The teacher warned the students not to cheat on the exam. [warned: past tense]
advise
Example
I advise you to study hard for the upcoming test. [advise: verb]
Example
The financial advisor advised her to invest in stocks. [advised: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Advise is more commonly used than warn in everyday language. Advise is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while warn is less common and typically used in situations where there is a potential danger or negative outcome.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between warn and advise?
Both warn and advise can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, advise is often associated with a more formal tone, while warn can be used in both formal and informal contexts depending on the situation.