Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
first hand advice
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"first hand advice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe advice that is direct, personal, and provided from a source with firsthand experience. For example, "My grandmother gave me some first hand advice on how to braid my hair."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Academia
Science
Alternative expressions(2)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
2 human-written examples
Join Karolyn from Evernote to get first hand advice, hints and tips on how to use the Evernote Cloud API.
News & Media
Find friends and friends of friends who can give you first hand advice on tackling everyday problems, and then use software to make the interaction as useful as possible.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
58 human-written examples
"When it comes to money, what's really useful is first-hand advice from people who know what student life is like.
News & Media
When customers tell me they're going to Fiji, Kenya, the Grand Canyon or Cuzco, Peru, I can offer first-hand advice from my own trips there.
News & Media
In an unusual new approach, audiologist John M. Burkey offers not only specific and up-to-date information based on his own extensive experience with patients, but also useful, first-hand advice from those patients themselves.
Academia
Coca-Cola is set to get some first-hand advice from Sweden Inc.'s most influential mouthpiece.
News & Media
Session B1: GRANT WRITING TIPS Submitting a Successful Application Take this unique opportunity to gain some first-hand advice from experienced grant writers about submitting a successful application.
Science & Research
In partnership, they participate in "road shows" and mock study sections at universities and scientific meetings to inform investigators about NIH operations and scientific priorities and to give first-hand advice on preparing successful applications.
Science & Research
5 30 pm Grant Writing Tips - Submitting a Successful Application Take this unique opportunity to gain some first-hand advice from experienced grant writers about submitting a successful application.
Science & Research
Nader will discuss how he made the leap from academia to industry, describe his job duties and what a typical day is like at Pfizer, and give first-hand advice to postdocs and grad students who are considering moving from academia to industry.
Academia
Laura will discuss how she made the leap from postdoc to industry scientist, describe her job duties and what a typical day is like at ExxonMobil, and give first-hand advice to postdocs and grad students who are considering moving from academia to industry.
Academia
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When seeking or offering "first hand advice", clearly state the specific experience that qualifies you or the advisor to give that advice. This adds credibility and relevance.
Common error
Don't assume that any personal experience automatically qualifies as valuable "first hand advice". Ensure the experience is relevant and directly applicable to the situation at hand.
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "first hand advice" functions as a noun phrase, where "first hand" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "advice". It describes the type of advice being given, indicating it comes directly from personal experience. As Ludwig AI explains, it is correct and usable in written English.
Frequent in
News & Media
33%
Academia
33%
Science
33%
Less common in
Wiki
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "first hand advice" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes advice originating from direct, personal experience. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is appropriate for general use. While not exceedingly common, it appears across various contexts, including news, academia, and science. When using this phrase, ensure the experiential basis of the advice is clear and relevant. Remember, not all experiences are equally valid, so specify the qualifying experience to add credibility. Considering alternatives like "direct personal guidance" or "advice from lived experience" can provide nuanced expressions. Although uncommon it can still be found across Ludwig's examples.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
direct personal guidance
Emphasizes the direct and individual nature of the advice.
personal experience-based guidance
Highlights that the guidance is based on personal experience.
advice from lived experience
Focuses on advice stemming from someone's actual life events.
experienced counsel
Suggests wisdom and guidance from someone with experience.
practical recommendations
Stresses the usefulness and hands-on nature of the advice.
insider's guidance
Implies access to unique or privileged knowledge.
field-tested advice
Emphasizes that the advice has been proven effective in real-world situations.
hands-on guidance
Conveys practical, directly applicable advice.
real-world advice
Highlights the connection to actual situations.
applied wisdom
Focuses on the practical application of knowledge.
FAQs
How can I use "first hand advice" in a sentence?
You can use "first hand advice" to describe advice you received directly from someone who has experience in a particular area. For example, "I sought "first hand advice" from a professional chef before attempting the complicated recipe."
What is another way to say "first hand advice"?
Alternatives to "first hand advice" include "direct personal guidance", "personal experience-based guidance", or "advice from lived experience".
What makes "first hand advice" different from other types of advice?
"First hand advice" specifically implies that the advice-giver has personal, direct experience with the subject matter, whereas other types of advice might be based on theory, general knowledge, or "second hand information".
Is it always better to seek "first hand advice"?
While "first hand advice" can be incredibly valuable, it's not always necessary or superior. Sometimes, theoretical knowledge or general principles are more relevant. It depends on the specific situation and the type of guidance needed.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested