word of advice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "word of advice" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to offer advice to someone in a polite way. For example, "As a word of advice, I would suggest taking your time to consider all of the options before making a final decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A word of advice?

The New York Times

Word of advice: Try harder!

The New York Times

One word of advice.

The New York Times - Sports

One word of advice: don't.

The New York Times - Tech

First, a friendly word of advice.

The New York Times - Magazine

She gave me a word of advice.

The Guardian

Just a quick word of advice: don't.

The Guardian - Music

Word of advice - trusting all you read?

The Guardian - Sport

If you're one of those, a word of advice: don't.

The New Yorker

A word of advice: Settle your child in your lap.

The New York Times - Books

I need your word of advice and help.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "word of advice" to introduce a helpful suggestion, especially when you want to soften the impact of potentially unwanted feedback.

Common error

While "word of advice" is useful, avoid using it excessively in a single piece of writing. Vary your approach by using alternatives like "consider this" or directly stating your suggestion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "word of advice" functions as an introductory expression used to preface a suggestion or recommendation. Ludwig provides numerous examples where this phrase sets the stage for offering guidance in various contexts. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "word of advice" is a common and grammatically correct way to introduce a helpful suggestion. According to Ludwig AI, it serves to offer advice in a polite and accessible manner. The numerous examples curated by Ludwig show its frequent use in news and media, demonstrating its broad applicability. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and audience, opting for more formal language in certain professional or academic settings. Remember to vary your phrasing to avoid overuse and ensure the advice is well-received.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Piece of advice

Emphasizes a single, specific suggestion.

Tip

A brief, practical suggestion, often informal.

Friendly suggestion

Highlights the amicable intention behind the advice.

Pro-tip

An expert tip, often implying insider knowledge.

Recommendation

Suggests a course of action based on expertise or experience.

Suggestion

A general offering of a possible action or idea.

Counsel

Formal advice, often given by an expert.

Guidance

Direction or advice provided, often in a broader context.

Nugget of wisdom

Implies a profound or insightful piece of advice.

Some food for thought

Offering something to consider rather than direct advice.

FAQs

How can I use "word of advice" in a sentence?

You can use "word of advice" to introduce a suggestion or recommendation. For example, "Here's a "word of advice": always back up your data". It's often used to gently offer counsel.

What are some alternatives to "word of advice"?

Alternatives include "piece of advice", "a tip", or a simple "suggestion". The best choice depends on the context and formality.

Is "word of advice" formal or informal?

"Word of advice" falls in a neutral to slightly informal register. It's suitable for most everyday situations but might be replaced with more formal terms like "recommendation" or "counsel" in professional settings.

When should I avoid using "word of advice"?

Avoid using "word of advice" when offering unsolicited or unwelcome advice. In such cases, it may come across as presumptuous. Consider whether the recipient is open to receiving advice before using the phrase.