Giving advice
Sometimes other people don't know what to do and they ask us for some advice.
Here are ten phrases you can use when you are making suggestions. Assume the person who asked for your advice in this instance is doing something that you believe they should stop.
Ten ways to give advice
casual · neutral · formal
- I reckon you should stop now.casualYou're tired. I reckon you should stop now.
- Why don't you stop now?neutralYour eyes are red. Why don't you stop now?
- How about stopping now?neutralIt's midnight. How about stopping now?
- If I were you, I'd stop now.neutralIf I were you, I'd stop now and finish tomorrow.
- I suggest you stop now.neutralI suggest you stop now and have some rice.
- You'd (really) better stop right now.casualstrongThe doctor said rest. You'd really better stop right now.
- I would strongly advise you to stop.formalstrongI would strongly advise you to stop smoking.
- My advice would be to stop now.formalMy advice would be to stop now and see a doctor.
- It might be a good idea to stop.neutralIt's getting dark. It might be a good idea to stop.
- You might try stopping.neutralThe pain is worse at night? You might try stopping work earlier.
How to use them
- are quite informal. are more tentative (you are trying not to be forceful with your ideas).
- is more forceful than the first three suggestion phrases.
- is neutral and can be used formally and informally. Using more stress on "GEST" of "suggest" makes it more tentative and more stress on the main verb makes it more forceful.
- is quite forceful and gives the idea that not following the advice will have a negative result.
- are quite formal in tone. is really quite forceful and less forceful.
- are the most tentative phrases (least forceful). sounds more informal than .
Quick check
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Which phrase is the strongest, and warns of a bad result?
A doctor writes advice in a letter. Which phrase fits?
Which phrase is the gentlest?
See also: Making suggestions
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