'Please Advice' or 'Please Advise': Meaning and Differences

It is common for people crafting a professional email for the first time to wonder whether ‘please advice’ or ‘please advise’ is the correct term for asking someone to clarify or provide information. 

‘Advise’ is the verb form of the noun ‘advice.’ When you say ‘please,’ you are kindly asking someone to complete an action. In the term ‘please advise’ you are asking someone to give you advice.

To learn more, read this guide. It contains examples, definitions, and tips to help you navigate other confusing words. 

Is ‘Please Advice’ or ‘Please Advise’ Correct?

When asking someone to give you information or take an action, the correct term is ‘please advise.’ ‘Please’ is an adverb, so it has to modify an adverb, adjective, or verb. ‘Advise’ is the verb form of ‘advice,’ which is why ‘please advise’ is correct. 

Definition of ‘Please’

‘Please’ can be a verb or adverb. As a verb, it means to satisfy in some manner. As an adverb, it is a polite request for someone to take action. 

Examples of ‘Please’ as a Verb

Take a look at these examples of ‘please’ used as a verb in a sentence: 

• She is very selfish. All she does is please herself. 
• If you only ‘please’ yourself, you will not have many friends. 
• People ‘pleasing’ can lower your self-esteem. 
• The president was ‘pleased’ with employee performance. 
• The new company policy ‘pleases’ everyone. 

Examples of ‘Please’ as an Adverb

People more commonly use ‘please’ as an adverb. Here are a few examples: 

• ‘Please’ finish all of your food. 
• Do all of your chores ‘please’. 
• ‘Please’ do not tell her about the surprise party.

Definition of ‘Advice’

‘Advice’ is a noun meaning actionable information, recommendations, or guidance. There is no plural form of ‘advice,’ and typically, when someone says they are giving ‘advice,’ they may give numerous pieces of ‘advice.’ 

Examples of ‘Advice’ 

Take a look at these examples of ‘advice’ used in a sentence: 

• I took the ‘advice,’ and I am glad I did. It really paid off!
• Everyone trusts her because she gives the best ‘advice.’ 
• His ‘advice’ is always heartfelt and considerate.
• Edward received a promotion after his expert ‘advice’ made investors significantly larger returns. 

Definitions and Examples of ‘Advise’

‘Advise’ is the third-person present tense verb form of the noun ‘advice.’ To ‘advise’ someone means to give them ‘advice.’ For example: 

• It is important to ‘advise’ them of all of their options. 
• Did you ‘advise’ your customers of the cost? 
• You need to ‘advise’ me of your decision.

When Do People Use ‘Please Advise’?

People often use the term ‘please advise’ in formal professional emails. It is a respectful way to request information, and it is direct. You can use the term before asking for information, or you can give details on a matter and then sign off on the message saying ‘please advise.’

Examples:

• Last Tuesday we were at your restaurant. We had a wonderful experience and were wondering what the requirements are for booking your private event space. ‘Please advise.’ 
• ‘Please advise’ on the results from the most recent research study. 
• ‘Please advise’ on your requests for the upcoming retreat. We need a response by Tuesday at 9 a.m.
• I read some information about a new product your company will start selling, and I would like to be one of the first distributors. I did not see a distributor setup package on your website. ‘Please advise’ on how we apply to sell your products. 
• I received an email from Cathleen at XYZ Company. She said she has not received her vendor welcome package. ‘Please advise.’

Alternatives to ‘Please Advise’

Here are a few phrases you can use in place of ‘please advise’:

• Please inform me.
• Kindly advise.
• Please clarify.
• Please respond.
• Your thoughts are appreciated. 

While there are many alternatives to ‘please advise,’ it is a perfectly acceptable term to use in any written or verbal communication. 

Final Thoughts on ‘Please Advise’ 

As a writer, it is common to question the proper usage of many confusing words and terms like ‘please advise,’ ‘other than,’ and ‘nowhere.’ The good news is, writingtips.org can help. Bookmark the site so you can check its accuracy the next time a term confuses you. Doing so could help you avoid an embarrassing usage mistake in a business communication or personal message to a friend.