ask for their advice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'ask for their advice' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to solicit the opinion or thoughts of another person or group of people. For example: "We were facing a difficult decision, so we asked our friends for their advice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Nick then went to a few senior colleagues to ask for their advice.

Harvard Business Review

Ask for their advice for you as a leader and to be effective.

Harvard Business Review

Find some local bloggers, ask if you can meet them and ask for their advice and help.

The Guardian

If you know people who excel in planning or have organization skills, ask for their advice and insight.

Harvard Business Review

During their careers, they will interact with advocates on review panels and their relatives will ask for their advice on cancer-related issues.

Cornell University

While it's best not to ask directly for help in finding a job, you can ask for their advice or opinion.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

We went in and asked for their advice.

The New York Times

And we also asked for their advice as far as staffing.

The New York Times

The beat cops often understood the context, but their captains and commanders rarely asked for their advice.

The New Yorker

Afterward, so many other repeat brides asked for their advice that they decided to become second-wedding consultants.

The New York Times - Style

I try not to offer advice where it isn't invited, and I find myself asking for their advice more and more often.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Acknowledge and appreciate the advice given, even if you don't follow it, to maintain positive relationships.

Common error

Don't blindly follow advice without critical evaluation. Consider the source's expertise and potential biases before acting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ask for their advice" functions as a request or solicitation for guidance, counsel, or recommendations from another person or group. Ludwig AI indicates its grammatical correctness. Examples show it used in various contexts, from seeking career advice to navigating personal dilemmas.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

32%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Academia

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ask for their advice" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression for seeking guidance or input from others. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s appropriate in various contexts, ranging from news and media to formal business settings. When using this phrase, ensure specificity in your request to receive tailored and useful advice. While the phrase is versatile, consider formal alternatives like "seek their counsel" in professional environments. Remember to critically evaluate any advice received, considering the source's expertise and potential biases. Overall, "ask for their advice" is a valuable tool for informing decisions and problem-solving, supported by its frequent use and broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Ask for their opinion

Specifically targets their viewpoint or judgment on a matter.

Get their perspective

Emphasizes the importance of understanding their point of view.

Consult with them

Implies a more direct and deliberate act of seeking advice or guidance.

Get their input

Focuses on obtaining contributions or insights, rather than general advice.

Solicit their feedback

Focuses on gathering constructive criticism or reactions to something.

Request their guidance

Formal and focuses on getting direction from someone more knowledgeable.

Seek their counsel

Uses a more formal term for advice, suggesting a more considered or official consultation.

Canvass their judgement

Implies a thorough attempt to seek opinions and insights from them.

Pick their brains

An informal way to say get their insights and knowledge on a subject.

Sound them out

Suggests a cautious approach to gauge their thoughts or feelings.

FAQs

What's the difference between "ask for their advice" and "ask for their opinion"?

While both seek input, "ask for their advice" implies seeking guidance based on expertise or experience, whereas "ask for their opinion" seeks a general viewpoint or judgment. You "ask for their opinion" on general matters, but you "ask for their advice" when facing a specific problem.

When is it appropriate to "ask for their advice"?

It's appropriate to "ask for their advice" when facing a decision, problem, or challenge where the insights of others could be beneficial. It is especially useful when the person you are asking has experience or knowledge in the relevant area. Always consider the person's time and willingness to help.

What can I say instead of "ask for their advice" in a formal setting?

In a formal setting, you can use phrases such as "seek their counsel", "request their guidance", or "consult with them" to convey a similar meaning with a more professional tone.

How do I effectively "ask for their advice"?

To effectively "ask for their advice", clearly explain the situation or issue, specify the type of advice you're seeking, and actively listen to the response. Express gratitude for their time and input, and consider their advice thoughtfully before making a decision.