constructive advice

USAGE SUMMARY

"constructive advice" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to advice given with the intention of helping the listener or reader to improve or to reach some sort of goal. For example, "John took his colleagues' constructive advice and was able to complete the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's always very constructive advice, phrased in a helpful way.

The Guardian - Books

Dr. Billington said he welcomed constructive advice from oversight agencies.

The New York Times

"When an organisation says it wants to change, TI stands ready to provide constructive advice.

Independent

"Constructive advice," he calls it, emphasizing that he never engaged in lobbying.

The New York Times

Shorten allowed Albanese to pick his portfolio and Albanese has given constructive advice.

The Guardian

They poke holes in facile or evasive responses to their questions while firmly offering constructive advice.

The New York Times

"The entrepreneurs would be mad not to take the constructive advice".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For that critical, careful and constructive advice to his students, we thank him.

University of California, Berkeley

But many more readers had constructive advice for Mr. Kuhn, as did the other experts we consulted.

The New York Times

People respect co-professionals who can give constructive advice and add value, not those who take a backseat.

The Guardian

We especially thank Robert Brown, Andrew Millgate and James Neal for constructive advice in the preparation of this paper.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When offering "constructive advice", be specific and provide examples to illustrate your points. This helps the recipient understand the issue and how to improve.

Common error

Avoid giving generic feedback like "try harder". Instead, provide concrete steps or resources the person can use to make improvements. For instance, suggest specific techniques or tools.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "constructive advice" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "constructive" modifies the noun "advice". It specifies the type of advice being given, indicating that it's intended to be helpful and positive. As confirmed by Ludwig, it follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "constructive advice" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe helpful and positive guidance. According to Ludwig, it's widely used across various contexts, including news, academia, and science. When offering "constructive advice", it's crucial to be specific and provide practical examples to ensure the recipient understands the issue and how to improve. Common errors include providing vague feedback; instead, offer concrete steps or resources that the person can use to make improvements. Alternatives include "helpful feedback" and "positive suggestions", depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

helpful feedback

Replaces "advice" with "feedback", emphasizing the interactive nature of the guidance.

positive suggestions

Focuses on the uplifting and encouraging aspect of the recommendations.

useful recommendations

Highlights the practicality and applicability of the advice.

practical guidance

Emphasizes the actionable nature of the advice.

valuable input

Presents the advice as a contribution of worth and significance.

beneficial insights

Focuses on the understanding and perspective gained from the advice.

supportive direction

Highlights the encouraging and assisting aspect of the advice.

informed counsel

Implies the advice is based on knowledge and expertise.

considered opinion

Suggests the advice has been carefully thought out and evaluated.

expert consultation

Presents the advice as a professional and specialized service.

FAQs

How can I use "constructive advice" in a sentence?

"Constructive advice" is used to describe feedback that is helpful and intended to improve a situation or skill. For example, "She appreciated the "constructive advice" from her mentor."

What's a less formal way to say "constructive advice"?

Alternatives include "helpful tips", "good pointers", or "useful suggestions", depending on the context.

How does "constructive advice" differ from general criticism?

"Constructive advice" focuses on how to improve, offering specific solutions, while criticism often points out flaws without suggesting improvements. It aims to build up rather than tear down.

What are some situations where "constructive advice" is particularly valuable?

"Constructive advice" is helpful in professional settings, academic environments, and personal relationships. It's especially useful during performance reviews, project collaborations, and skill development.