3 ways to give advice – politely

When someone has a problem or worry, how can you politely give the person some advice?

If it’s your friend who’s had bad headaches for weeks, you could say Why don’t you go to the doctor or How about seeing the doctor.

Now imagine that your friend – who’s overworked and stressed – has followed your advice and gone to see their GP (general practitioner).

The doctor might say:

I advise you to take at least a week off work.

I advise taking at least a week off work.

My advice is to take at least a week off work.

I suggest (that) you turn off your phone in the evening.

I suggest turning off your phone in the evening.

My suggestion is to turn off your phone in the evening.

I recommend (that) you go for a walk every day.

I recommend going for a walk every day.

My recommendation is to go for a walk every day.

To make the advice more forceful, the doctor could say:

I strongly advise you to try meditation or yoga.

I strongly suggest you try meditation or yoga.

I highly recommend trying meditation or yoga.

Another option for giving advice is to use modal verbs, ranging from soft to strong, such as: you could, you might, you should, you must look for a new job.

Use these phrases to share your advice in a clear message.

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