Commonly Confused Words: Advice and Advise

As a proofreader, I come across common mistakes committed by transcribers on a daily basis.  One of these is the confusion between homophones (some sounding words).

Although not homophones, advice and advise are two words most transcribers consistently mix up.

The “c” in the final syllable of “advice” is like the “s” in “see”, “sip”, and “sat”. As for the verb “advise”, the “s” is pronounced like the “z” in “zip”, “zero”, and “zoo”. Remember, the word “advice” is an uncountable noun. There is no word “advices”.

Advice is noun. It is a proposal or recommendation.

Eg:

1. His advice is always sound and everyone should listen to him.
2. Always listen to the advice of the old.
3. I turned down the proposal on your advice.

Advise is verb.  It means ” to give advice” or the act of giving advice.

Eg:

1. I am advised to go the doctors for a check up.
2. Please advise me on this matter, I need your help.
3. Didn’t I advise you not to go there?

Related posts:

1. Transcribing Homonyms and Similar-sounding Words