Asking for, Giving and Responding to Advice

Asking for, Giving and Responding to Advice

How often have you come across a situation when you had to ask for advice? Probably daily. I suppose your friends and relatives ask you for advice all the time, as well. And I’m sure you get by with these phrases in your native language. But do you know the vocabulary that can help you in asking for, giving and responding to advice in English?

Let’s look at some useful phrases which can help you do that.

Asking for advice

• I’m thinking of buying a new car. What do you think I should do?  
• Mike is asking me out, and I have to revise for an exam. What should I do?
• Can I ask for your opinion/advice about something? I am thinking of studying abroad. Do you think it’s a good idea?
•  I think somebody is trying to break into a car in the parking lot. Do you think I should call the police?
• I am looking for a new place to live. What do you recommend – a flat or a house? 
• I’ve noticed recently that my son is becoming a computer addict. As a psychologist, what do you advise me to do?
• I’d appreciate your advice on this issue.
• Have you got any ideas/suggestions?
• What would you do in my place/position?

Asking for, giving and responding to advice

Giving advice

• I think you should… (rent a house. That way, you wouldn’t be bothered by your neighbours and you could enjoy the garden.)
• You should… (go to the doctor first thing in the morning.)
• If I were you, I would / wouldn’t… (go and study abroad. It’s the best way to see the world while you’re still young.)
• If I were in your shoes/position, I would… (talk to your son about his computer addiction openly.)
• I would recommend/suggest… (going to the theatre instead of the cinema. There is a brilliant play on at the Odeon.)
• You had better / you’d better….. (get your tooth fixed before it is too late.)
• Why don’t you… (go home and do your housework and we can meet up later?)
• How about / what about … (having lunch before we go to the gym?)
• The best thing to do is to… (stop smoking)
• Maybe you should… (try to lose some weight)
• What you need is… ( a good massage)
• Have you thought about… (taking a gap year and travelling around the world?)

Asking for, giving and responding to advice

Responding to advice 

Accepting advice

• Thanks, I’ll take your advice.
• I think you’re right. I’ll do that.
• That’s a good/great/brilliant/marvellous idea.
• That sounds/seems like a good idea.

Asking for, giving and responding to advice

Rejecting advice

• No, I don’t think so.
• I understand your point of view, but I think…
• I don’t think it’s a good idea.
• I’m not sure about it, but let me think it through.
• I doubt it’s a good idea.
• That’s not a good idea.

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