Communication:

Asking for and giving advice

►There are various ways to ask for and give advice in English. Here are some common
expressions:

Asking for advice Giving advice

-What should I do (about…)?
-What ought I to do?
-What do you advise me to do?
-What’s your advice?
-If you were me what would you do?
-What do you think I should do?
-Do you think that I should …?
-What do you suggest?
-What do you think I should do?
-You should/ shouldn’t …
-You ought to/ oughtn’t to …
-I advise you to…
-If I were you, I would…
-Why don’t you …?
-If you take my advice, you’ll …
-You’d better …
-Have you thought about?
-It might be a good idea to …
-My advice would be to …
-I suggest you …

Examples:

A: I have a terrible toothache. What should I do?

B: You should visit the dentist immediately, and you shouldn’t touch your mouth.

A: What’s your advice concerning marriage?

B: You ought to prepare yourself financially.

A: If you were me, what would you do if someone is trying to copy your answers?
B: If I were you, I would tell the teacher right away.

A: I lost all my mother’s money while shopping! What do you advise me to do?
B: I advise you to simply tell her the truth. I’m sure she’ll understand.

A: I have a choice between this red dress and that blue one. What do you suggest?
B: You’d better take the red one. It’s more feminine.