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useful advice — helpful tip

collocationB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon

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

Say it like a native

Textbook She imparted some highly beneficial counsel.

Native She gave me some useful advice.

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

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

In use

  • 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

Common mistake

✗ She gave me some useful advices.

✓ She gave me some useful advice.

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

Common collocations

  • useful advice — give, some, handy, piece of

Don't confuse it

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

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