Have you ever been writing a message and stopped short, wondering if it should be “advised” or “adviced”? You’re not alone. It’s easy to get mixed up with similar-sounding words, especially when they seem to function the same in a sentence. Let’s clear this confusion up once and for all.
Advised is the correct form and is the past tense of the verb “advise,” which means to give suggestions or guidance. For example, “She advised him to take the job offer.”
The word adviced does not exist in English. Always use advised when you want to talk about giving advice in the past. For instance, “He was advised to arrive early to avoid traffic.”
Understanding “Advised”
“Advised” is the correct term to use when you want to talk about giving or receiving advice. This word is a simple past tense and past participle of the verb “advise”.
How to Use “Advised”
Imagine you’re giving a friend some guidance on an issue. You advised him to take it easy and relax more. Here, “advised” fits perfectly because it shows an action that was completed in the past. It’s important to recognize that “advised” is active in its presence in sentences. It does something.
Here are a few examples:
- She advised me to save money for the rainy days.
- The lawyer advised his client against speaking to the media.
- Yesterday, I advised him not to go outside during the storm.
Each example shows “advised” in its role: someone giving guidance or recommendations.
Why “Adviced” is Incorrect?
Now, let’s address “adviced”. You might hear someone say it, and it might look okay, but it’s actually not a real word. It’s a common mistake, but once you know, you’ll probably notice it more when it pops up in writing or conversation.
Common Word Mix-Ups
It’s like when people confuse “affect” with “effect”. Both sound alike but mean different things. With “advised” and the non-existent “adviced”, the confusion likely stems from how similar they sound.
Keeping It Straight
A neat trick to keep them straight is to think about “device”. You wouldn’t say “deviced”, right? It sounds unusual. Apply the same logic to “adviced” – if it sounds odd, it probably isn’t right.
Using “Advised” in Different Contexts
The verb “advise” can be used in several ways:
- Giving Guidance: This is the most direct use. You offer advice.
- Suggesting: Sometimes, “advise” acts more gently, like when making a suggestion rather than giving a firm recommendation.
- Informing: “Advise” can also mean to inform someone officially.
Examples in Context
When understood clearly, “advised” can be quite versatile:
- He was advised to refrain from any strenuous activity after the surgery.
- The customers were advised of the delay due to bad weather.
- I advised her that a road trip would be a cheaper alternative to flying.
Conclusion
To sum it all up, “advised” is the word you should use when you want to talk about someone giving or receiving advice. It’s part of the action of advising. On the other hand, “adviced” isn’t a word, so it’s best to steer clear of using it to avoid any confusion.
Remembering the difference is as simple as remembering that “advised” acts and works with purpose in a sentence, doing the job of bringing advice to life. Next time you’re tapping away on your keyboard or scratching pen on paper, think of how “advised” actively moves in your sentences, guiding, suggesting, and informing, all with the correct form.
