Asking for and Giving Advice
Asking for and Giving Advice
Expressions for Asking for Advice:
- I've got a bad toothache. What do you suggest?
- What do you advise me to do?
- What should I do?
- What ought I to do?
- What's your advice?
- If you were me, what would you do?
Expressions for Giving Advice:
- If I were you, I would go to the dentist.
- Why don't you go to the dentist?
- You'd better brush your teeth regularly.
- You ought to/should avoid eating sweets.
- If you take my advice, you'll go to the dentist.
- It might be a good idea to brush your teeth regularly.
- I advise you to brush your teeth regularly.
- Have you thought about seeing a dentist?
Expressions for Declining to Give Advice:
- I'm afraid I don't know what to advise.
- I wish I could suggest something, but I can't.
- I wish I could help.
- I'm afraid I can't really help you.
Key Points to Remember About Asking for and Giving Advice:
"Advise" is a verb.
- Example: "I advise you to learn English. You will undoubtedly need it in your higher studies."
"Advice" is a noun.
- Example: "My father gave me this piece of advice when I was young: never give up."
"Ought to" has nearly the same meaning as "should." The difference is that "ought to" implies a moral or external obligation, whereas "should" is more of a suggestion.
- Example: "You ought to stop smoking." vs. "You should stop smoking."
"You'd better" is the short form of "you had better."
- Example: "You'd better see a doctor!" = "You had better see the doctor!"
Sample Dialogue:
Student:
I'm terrible at English, and I think I should do something about it. What do you advise me to do?
Teacher:
I think you should try this website. It's fantastic for beginners.
Student:
I've heard about it, but what do you think I should start with?
Teacher:
You'd better start with the lessons. Then, try the exercises.