Giving Advice

Definition of giving advice :

People give advice when they think that there is something better than what will be done or have been done.

 

 

There are a number of formulas used when giving advice in English. Here some of the most common :

 

• I don’t think you should work so hard.
• You ought to work less
• You ought not to work so hard
• If I were you, I’d work less
• If I were in your position, I’d work less
• if I were in your shoes, I’d work less
• You had better work less 
• You shouldn’t work so hard
• Whatever you do, don’t work so hard 

To do something : 

• I think you’d better
•   If I were you, I’d
•   It would probably be a good idea
•   Take my advice and
•   I advice you to
• How about?

Not to do something :

•   I don’t think you should
•   I would not … If I were you
•   You’d better not

Using imperatives to give advice  
We can use imperative verbs + ‘-ing’ to give advice. Let’s look at some more :

•  Start going to the gym
• Stop drinking so much coke
• Consider swithching to brown bread and rice
•  Try cycling work

 

Example Dialogue :

Maria    : Hi Claudia, you look worried. What’s the matter?

Claudia :  Er..It’s nothing

Maria    : Is it the exam tomorrow? You shouldn’t worry. You pass easily.

Claudia : I know

Maria    : Come on, tell me. What are you worried about?

Claudia : Ok. It’s Mark. I think he has started smoking. I was talking to him yesterday about this Topic and he says me that isn’t smoking. 

Maria    : That’s serious. What are you going to do?

Claudia :  I’m not sure. I should tell someone. What do you think I should do?

Maria    : If I were yiu, I’d speak to his older sister. She’s really friendly.

Claudia : I’ve never met her. Can you come with me?

Maria    : Of course. Let’s go and find her.