took advice from

USAGE SUMMARY

"took advice from" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate that someone listened to and followed the advice of another person. It can be used in various contexts, such as in personal relationships, business situations, or academic settings. Example: Sarah took advice from her mentor and decided to pursue a career in journalism.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We took advice from friends.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Farmer took advice from the PA news desk and lawyer.

The Guardian

They took advice from psychiatrists before they began their questioning.

The Guardian

"We took advice from MSF and had a clinician in the UK.

The Guardian

In acting for Abyan, Shine Lawyers took advice from leading women's psychiatrists and obstetricians, Newhouse said.

The Guardian

Finally, I took advice from my dad and changed my putting grip and switched putters.

The New York Times - Sports

He took advice from lawyers and he is willing to publish this.

The Guardian

"They took advice from a series of individuals about how best to use this money.

The Guardian

Instead, he took advice from his friend Mark Hunter, who runs thecobrasnake.com, the wildly successful behind-the-scenes party blog.

The New York Times

No wonder Diana Dors changed her surname from Fluck; she obviously took advice from a theatre electrician.

The Guardian

Research was vital, Westwell said, and he recommended businesses took advice from government bodies such as UKTI.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your language to avoid repetition; consider alternatives like "consulted with" or "sought counsel from" for a more sophisticated tone.

Common error

Don't just state that someone "took advice". Specify from whom the advice was taken. Vague attributions weaken the statement and make it less impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "took advice from" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of seeking and following counsel. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through its numerous examples showcasing how individuals or entities rely on external expertise to inform their decisions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "took advice from" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that signifies the act of seeking and following counsel. As Ludwig AI's analysis shows, it is considered grammatically correct and is prevalent in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While direct and clear, writers should aim to specify the source of the advice to enhance credibility. When aiming to modify the tone of the writing one can use the suggestions as "sought counsel from" or "consulted with" for a more formal alternative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

followed the advice of

Emphasizes adhering to the given counsel, suggesting compliance and trust in the advice.

received guidance from

Focuses on the act of obtaining direction and support, emphasizing the provision of advice.

consulted with

Highlights the act of discussing with someone to gain insights, often implying a two-way conversation.

obtained recommendations from

Highlights the acquisition of specific suggestions, focusing on actionable advice.

heeded the words of

Emphasizes paying close attention to and acting upon someone's advice, often with a sense of respect.

sought counsel from

Emphasizes seeking formal or professional guidance, implying a more deliberate and structured approach.

acted on the suggestion of

Focuses on the action taken as a result of a proposal, highlighting the implementation of the advice.

got input from

Implies gathering opinions and suggestions, suggesting a less formal or directive type of advice.

deferred to the judgment of

Indicates yielding to someone's expertise or assessment, suggesting a high level of trust.

learnt from

Focuses on learning and applying information from someone's guidance, emphasizing the educational aspect.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "took advice from" to sound more formal?

You can use more formal alternatives such as "sought counsel from" or "consulted with" to elevate the tone.

What's a less formal synonym for "took advice from"?

For a less formal approach, consider using "got input from" or "picked up tips from" depending on the situation.

Is it always necessary to specify who someone "took advice from"?

While not always grammatically required, specifying the source of advice adds credibility and context to your statement. It helps the audience understand the basis for the decision or action taken.

How does "took advice from" differ from "received guidance from"?

"Took advice from" implies a specific action based on counsel, whereas "received guidance from" suggests a more ongoing or general support. The former is about acting on advice, the latter about the provision of advice.