❖ Unit 7 ❖ Citizenship ❖ Functions ❖

Expressing Advice

How to ask for and give advice in English. A high-frequency exam function.

Asking for advice

What should I do?
What do you advise me to do?
Can you give me some advice?
What do you think I should do?
I don't know what to do.
Any suggestions?
Could you tell me what to do?

Giving advice

You should + infinitive …
You'd better (you had better) + infinitive …
You ought to + infinitive …
I think you should + infinitive …
I advise you to + infinitive …
If I were you, I would + infinitive …
Why don't you + infinitive …?
How about + V-ing …?
It might be a good idea to + infinitive …

Practice 1 — Give advice in context

Respond appropriately

Friend just got his university degree (job vs further studies). → "If I were you, I would continue my studies for a master's degree. It will give you better job opportunities later."
Friend: "I have a terrible headache." (ask for advice + give advice) → Friend: "What should I do?" — You: "You should rest in a dark room and drink lots of water. If it doesn't go away, you'd better see a doctor."
Friend: "I can't sleep at night." → "You shouldn't drink coffee in the evening. I advise you to avoid screens before bed and try to read a book instead. It really works!"
Friend: "I have a lot of exams this week, I'm afraid." → "Don't panic! You'd better organise a revision schedule and start with the most difficult subjects. Also, get enough sleep and don't forget to take short breaks. You can do it!"

Practice 2 — Reformulate

Express the same function differently

Why don't you see a doctor? → You'd better see a doctor.
You shouldn't waste your time chatting. → If I were you, I wouldn't waste my time chatting.
I think you should go home and relax. → I advise you to go home and relax.
If I were you, I would accept that job offer. → You should accept that job offer. / I advise you to accept that job offer.

❖ Key Takeaways ❖

① Choose the right strength

Should = mild · ought to = stronger · had better = strong (almost a warning).

② Hypothetical construction

If I were you, I would… — note the "were" for all persons, and "would" for the advice.

③ Always personalise

Give a reason: "You should rest because you look exhausted."

❖ Exam tip

The exam often presents a problem ("My son refuses to eat vegetables.") and asks for advice. Use 2-3 different patterns to show variety: You should… + Why don't you…? + If I were you, I would….