SpeakUp

Grammar fix

useful advice

helpful tip

information or suggestions that help someone solve a problem or make a good decision.

collocationB1common

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • My teacher gave me some useful advice before the exam.daily life
  • In my opinion, parents can offer useful advice to teenagers about making important life choices.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: useful advice (about/on something); give/receive useful advice

WrongShe gave me some useful advices.

RightShe gave me some useful advice.

'Advice' is uncountable — no 'advices'; for one item say 'a piece of advice'.

Patternuseful advice (about/on something); give/receive useful advice

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff She imparted some highly beneficial counsel.

Natural She gave me some useful advice.

Natural; 'imparted beneficial counsel' is archaic/formal.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • useful advice
    givesomehandypiece of

Don't confuse it

‘Useful advice’ is stronger than just ‘advice’—it means the advice actually helps.

Try it in Daily Speak →