Learn how to give advice in English. Today, we’ll explore useful expressions and structures that will help you speak more naturally and fluently in everyday English conversations.
You’ll learn how to give and respond to advice using a variety of phrases commonly used by native speakers. From suggesting ideas to politely rejecting advice, this lesson covers the key expressions you need to feel more confident in daily communication.
By the end of the video, you’ll be able to use these expressions in real conversations, enhancing your ability to sound more fluent and natural.
Listen to the podcast Speak Better English with Harry or watch it on YouTube at Learn English with Harry. englishclass101
Useful English phrases
How to give advice in English
Harry
Giving and responding to advice is an important part of everyday conversations.
In this post, we’ll explore various ways to offer and respond to advice using natural English expressions. Whether you’re advising a friend, colleague, or family member, knowing how to communicate advice effectively will boost your fluency and confidence in English.
In English, advice is an uncountable noun, so it cannot be used with a or made plural. Here are some incorrect examples and their corrections:
❌ Can you give me an advice?
✅ Can you give me some advice?
❌ I can give you advices.
✅ I can give you advice.
When using advice, always treat it as singular and uncountable.
If you want to refer to specific pieces of advice, you can say a piece of advice or some advice.
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If I were in your shoes/you, I’d…
A polite way to express what you would recommend without directly telling someone what to do.
Examples:
If I were you, I’d go to the doctor immediately. You don’t look very well.
If I were in your shoes, I’d take that job offer.
If I were you, I’d talk to the manager about the issue.
Have you (ever) thought of… + verb + -ing?
A way of offering advice or making a recommendation, often when trying to help someone think about different possibilities.
Examples:
Have you ever thought of going into veterinary services?
Have you ever thought of training to be a veterinary nurse?
Have you ever thought of joining a gym to improve your fitness?
Have you (ever) considered… + verb + -ing?
More direct, you believe the suggestion could be a valuable option.
Examples:
Have you ever considered travelling abroad?
Have you ever considered what your parents are going to think if you give up university?
* the construction have ever considered + question word + clause s used to give advice by encouraging someone to think about the potential consequences or the thoughts of others.
If I had …, I would…
(Second Conditional) Give advice in a hypothetical situation, you’re imagining yourself in someone else’s position.
Examples:
If I had that problem, I would go and seek professional advice.
If I had that problem, I would probably talk to a friend.
How to give advice in English
Have you (ever) tried… + verb + -ing?
Recommending that someone experiment with or test out an option, especially if they haven’t done it before.
Examples:
Have you ever tried teaching English to beginners?
Have you ever tried talking to somebody about your concerns?
Have you ever tried explaining to him exactly what you want?
* the construction have ever tried + to + verb can also be used when referring to making an effort to do something
How about… + verb + ing?
A casual way of proposing an idea or solution for someone to consider.
Examples:
How about reading a few books before your exams?
How about studying a bit?
How about studying a bit more in the evenings to improve your grades?
How about doing some extra training a few times a week to help you lose weight?
How about coming with me to the gym next week?
Why don’t you…. + bare infinitive
Give advice or make a suggestion in a friendly and slightly more direct manner.
Examples:
Why don’t you go to the hospital to get that checked out?
Why don’t you hand in your notice? There are plenty of jobs. You’ve got lots of skills.
Why don’t you stop moaning and do something about it?
I think it would be a good idea to…
Give advice or make a suggestion in a polite and considerate way.
Examples:
I think it would be a good idea to call a plumber. You don’t really know what you’re doing.
I think it would be a good idea to call the electrician before trying to fix the wiring yourself.
The sooner.., the better…
You want to stress that delaying action might have negative consequences.
Examples:
The sooner you get down to a bit of study, the better you will feel.
The sooner you get another job, the better I will feel. I’m sick of you moaning.
The sooner you book the holiday, the better—I’m sick of this terrible weather!
You have no choice but… + infinitive
You’re emphasising that there’s only one realistic or necessary course of action available.
Examples:
You have no choice but to go to the police and tell them what you know.
You have no choice but to tell your boss that you can’t work those long hours anymore.
You have no choice but to try to get another extension on your course.
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That’s a thought/an idea
It’s worth thinking about or could be a good option, but it doesn’t necessarily imply immediate action.
Examples:
That’s a thought. It could really improve my grades.
That’s a good idea. I might be able to focus better on something new.
I’ll give it a go/try
Accepting advice and showing you’re willing to try the suggestion.
Examples:
I’ll give it a go and see if it helps me manage my time better. Thanks for the suggestion.
I think I’ll give it a go. I was thinking of buddying up with someone.
I think I’ll give it a try. I’ve been considering partnering up with someone for extra motivation.
I hadn’t thought of that…
to acknowledge it’s a new idea and to show you’re open to trying it.
Examples:
I hadn’t thought of that. It might actually work.
I hadn’t thought of that. That actually makes a lot of sense.
It’s worth a try
The idea seems reasonable and you’re willing to give it a chance.
Examples:
That’s a good idea. It’s worth a try—I’ll talk to my manager tomorrow. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
I hadn’t thought of that. It’s worth a try—I’ll start jogging in the mornings.
It’s got to be worth a try. Things aren’t going to get better the way they are. Thanks for your advice.
That’s a good/great idea
You think the suggestion is helpful and you’re likely to follow it.
Examples:
Wow, that’s a great idea. I’ve been racking my brain trying to come up with something.
That’s a good idea. I hadn’t even thought of that approach.
How to give advice in English
That’s easier said than done
The advice might sound good, the reality of doing it is much harder than it seems.
Examples:
👱🏽♀️ Why don’t you just quit your job if you’re unhappy?
🧑🏻🦰 Easier said than done—it’s not that simple.
It’s all very well, but…
It may sound good, but there are issues or challenges that make it less practical or more difficult.
Examples:
It’s all very well to suggest working less, but I have bills to pay.
It’s all very well to say we should travel more, but we simply don’t have the time right now.
I’m not sure that could work
A polite way of expressing hesitation or skepticism without rejecting the advice.
Examples:
I’m not sure that could work. It’s a big risk at this point.
I’m not sure that could work. I don’t think the timing is right.
Well, you have a point but..
I appreciate your advice but…
You’re thankful for someone’s advice but you still have concerns or disagreements.
Examples:
Well, you have a point, but moving is expensive and I’m not sure I can afford it.
Well, you have a point, and I appreciate your advice, but I think I’m just going to sit on it for a while.
I appreciate your advice, but I have too many deadlines to meet right now.
That’s an interesting opinion, but I prefer to [do it this way]
You politely indicate that you have a different approach or preference.
Examples:
That’s an interesting opinion, but I prefer to stick with my current system.
That’s an interesting opinion, but I prefer to handle things my way for now.
That’s not actually in line with my values
You want to politely but firmly reject advice that doesn’t align with your moral or ethical beliefs.
Examples:
That’s not actually in line with my values. I believe in being honest, even if it’s difficult.
That’s not actually in line with my values. I believe in giving credit where it’s due.
Keep your advice to yourself
A strong, direct statement to reject someone’s advice or suggestion.
Examples:
Keep your advice to yourself. I don’t need it right now.
Keep your advice to yourself. I’m handling things my way.
You can stick your advice where the sun don’t shine
Informal way to reject someone’s advice in a very rude manner.
The phrase where the sun don’t shine is an idiomatic expression in English, referring to a part of the body that isn’t exposed to sunlight (typically, the backside).
Example:
👩🏼🦰 You should stop dreaming and get a real job.
👨🏻 You can stick your advice where the sun don’t shine.
Mastering how to give advice in English can significantly improve your conversational skills. The key is to use polite and natural expressions, and to respond thoughtfully when receiving advice. If you need more help with English learning or want personalized lessons, feel free to contact me at englishlessonviaskype.com
I’m here to help you reach your language goals.
Thanks for watching and listening, and join me again soon for more tips on improving your English fluency!
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more information
For more information on English grammar rules, English collocations and English idioms, check out the links below:
Intermediate English travel vocabulary
English vocabulary related to driving
You can always study English advanced level at Learning English with the BBC and British Council Learn English.
