Meaning & use
gave advice
Last updated
“gave advice” is a form of “give advice”.
Meaning
phrasefixed phrase
Offered suggestions or recommendations to help someone make a decision or solve a problem.
Grammar: This is the past tense of 'give advice'. It is used as a complete verb phrase and takes an object with 'to' or 'on'.
Patterns
- gave advice to someone
- gave advice on something
- gave someone advice
My father gave advice to me about buying a car.
She gave advice on how to study for the exam.
The doctor gave advice about eating healthy food.
Common combinations
- give advice
- Can you give advice on which laptop to buy?
- give someone advice
- The teacher gave me advice about my essay.
- give advice on something
- He gave advice on saving money.
- a piece of advice
- Let me give you a piece of advice.
Synonyms and how they differ
- counseled
- This is more formal and often professional; 'gave advice' is general and everyday.
- recommended
- This focuses on suggesting a specific action; 'gave advice' is broader and can include guidance.
Word family
Commonly confused: gave advice or advise?
gave advice vs advise
This is the verb meaning 'to give advice'. 'Advice' is the noun. You give advice, but you advise someone.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'gave advice' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'Advice' is uncountable, so 'some advice' or 'a piece of advice' is correct. 'An advice' and 'advices' are wrong because 'advice' has no plural form.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “gave advice”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.