Advice vs. Suggestion: What's the Difference?

Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Published on October 11, 2023

Advice is guidance based on expertise, while a suggestion is a general proposal or idea.

Key Differences

Advice and Suggestion are terms that refer to recommendations or ideas given to someone. They are often used interchangeably, but they possess distinct connotations and uses.

Advice typically emanates from one's experience, knowledge, or expertise on a subject. When people give advice, they are often guiding someone based on what they believe is the best course of action.

In contrast, a suggestion is a more general proposal or idea that one thinks might be suitable. It doesn't necessarily stem from expertise but is more of a recommendation that someone can consider.

Another distinguishing factor is the level of assertiveness. Advice usually carries more weight and is often seen as something to be followed. It's more directive in nature.

On the other hand, a suggestion is less assertive. It's more about offering an idea for consideration, without necessarily pushing for its adoption.

Comparison Chart

Source

Often from expertise or experience

General idea or proposal

Assertiveness

More directive

Less assertive

Nature

Guidance on the best course of action

A possible course of action for consideration

Weight

Typically carries more weight

More casual and open-ended

Grammatical Usage

Uncountable noun

Countable noun

Advice and Suggestion Definitions

Advice

Advice refers to recommendations about actions.

The doctor's advice was to rest for a week.

Suggestion

Suggestion refers to mentioning something for consideration.

His suggestion to try the seafood was a good one.

Advice

Advice is guidance offered based on experience.

She gave me sound advice on managing finances.

Suggestion

Suggestion can be a subtle indication.

There's a suggestion of mint in this dish.

Advice

Advice is information given to guide decisions.

His investment advice has always been reliable.

Suggestion

Suggestion is an idea put forward without insistence.

I'm open to any suggestions for the weekend trip.

Advice

Advice typically derives from expertise.

The lawyer provided legal advice on the matter.

Suggestion

A suggestion is a proposed idea or plan.

She made a suggestion to visit the new museum.

Advice

Advice is often seen as authoritative.

The elder's advice was respected in the community.

Suggestion

The act of suggesting

Bought the book at my suggestion.

Advice

Opinion about what could or should be done about a situation or problem; counsel.

Suggestion

Something suggested

Are you going to follow my suggestions?.

Advice

Often advices Information communicated; news

Advices from an ambassador.

Suggestion

The sequential process by which one thought or mental image leads to another.

Advice

(uncountable) An opinion offered to guide behavior in an effort to be helpful.

She was offered various pieces of advice on what to do with her new-found wealth.

On the advice of her doctor, Mary cut down on her carbohydrates.

I have some useful advice to give you.

Sushil never took the advice of his parents, but still became rich.

Suggestion

A psychological process by which an idea is induced in or adopted by another without argument, command, or coercion.

Advice

Deliberate consideration; knowledge.

Suggestion

An idea or response so induced.

Advice

Information or news given; intelligence

Late advices from France

Suggestion

A hint or trace

Just a suggestion of makeup.

The first suggestion of trouble ahead.

Advice

(countable) In language about financial transactions executed by formal documents, an advisory document.

An advice of an incoming settlement payment order may be given to an off-line receiving bank.

Suggestion

(countable) Something suggested (with subsequent adposition being for)

I have a small suggestion for fixing this: try lifting the left side up a bit.

Make a suggestion

Traffic signs seem to be more of a suggestion than an order.

Advice

(uncountable) In commercial language, information communicated by letter; used chiefly in reference to drafts or bills of exchange

A letter of advice

Suggestion

(uncountable) The act of suggesting.

Suggestion often works better than explicit demand.

Advice

A communication providing information, such as how an uncertain area of law might apply to possible future actions

An advice issued by a Monitoring Committee could be applicable in a Dutch court

Suggestion

Something implied, which the mind is liable to take as fact.

He’s somehow picked up the suggestion that I like peanuts.

Advice

Counseling to perform a specific legal act.

Suggestion

The act of exercising control over a hypnotised subject by communicating some belief or impulse by means of words or gestures; the idea so suggested.

Advice

Counseling to perform a specific illegal act.

Suggestion

Information, insinuation, speculation, as opposed to a sworn testimony and evidence.

Advice

In aspect-oriented programming, the code whose execution is triggered when a join point is reached.

Suggestion

The act of suggesting; presentation of an idea.

Advice

Misspelling of advise

Suggestion

That which is suggested; an intimation; an insinuation; a hint; a different proposal or mention; also, formerly, a secret incitement; temptation.

Why do I yield to that suggestion?

Advice

An opinion recommended or offered, as worthy to be followed; counsel.

We may give advice, but we can not give conduct.

Suggestion

Charge; complaint; accusation.

Advice

Deliberate consideration; knowledge.

How shall I dote on her with more advice,That thus without advice begin to love her?

Suggestion

Information without oath; an entry of a material fact or circumstance on the record for the information of the court, at the death or insolvency of a party.

Advice

Information or notice given; intelligence; as, late advices from France; - commonly in the plural.

Suggestion

The act or power of originating or recalling ideas or relations, distinguished as original and relative; - a term much used by Scottish metaphysicians from Hutcherson to Thomas Brown.

Advice

Counseling to perform a specific illegal act.

Suggestion

The control of the mind of an hypnotic subject by ideas in the mind of the hypnotizer.

Willing to wound, and yet afraid to strike,Just hint a fault, and hesitate dislike.

Arthur, whom they say is killed to-nightOn your suggestion.

Advice

A proposal for an appropriate course of action

Suggestion

An idea that is suggested;

The picnic was her suggestion

Suggestion

A proposal offered for acceptance or rejection;

It was a suggestion we couldn't refuse

Suggestion

A just detectable amount;

He speaks French with a trace of an accent

Suggestion

Persuasion formulated as a suggestion

Suggestion

The sequential mental process in which one thought leads to another by association

Suggestion

The act of inducing hypnosis

Suggestion

Suggestion is a hint or implication.

There's a suggestion of doubt in his voice.

FAQs

Can a suggestion be authoritative?

A suggestion is typically less authoritative than advice, but it can be emphasized strongly based on context.

Is advice always based on expertise?

While advice often comes from expertise, it can also be based on personal experience or opinion.

Can a suggestion be given without any basis?

Yes, a suggestion can be a mere idea or proposal without any specific basis.

Is "advice" countable or uncountable?

"Advice" is an uncountable noun in English.

Which is more informal: advice or suggestion?

"Suggestion" is generally more informal and less assertive than "advice."

Can a suggestion come from experience?

Yes, suggestions can come from experience, though they are less directive than advice.

Which is more casual in conversation?

"Suggestion" is typically more casual and open-ended than "advice."

How is advice typically conveyed?

Advice is often conveyed with phrases like "I advise you to..." or "My advice is..."

Can I use "suggestions" in the plural form?

Yes, "suggestion" is countable and can be pluralized.

Is advice always solicited?

Not always. While advice can be sought, unsolicited advice is also common.

Is advice always serious?

Not necessarily. While advice often deals with serious matters, it can also pertain to casual or everyday topics.

Can advice be negative?

Yes, advice can be cautionary or recommend against certain actions.

Are there any synonyms for "advice"?

Yes, synonyms include guidance, counsel, and recommendation.

Are suggestions binding?

No, suggestions are recommendations and aren't typically binding.

Can you reject a suggestion?

Yes, suggestions are open-ended and can be accepted or rejected.

Which is more likely to be given in a professional setting?

In professional settings, both advice and suggestions can be given, but advice often carries more weight.

Can "suggestion" refer to a hint?

Yes, "suggestion" can also mean a hint or indirect indication.

What's a common way to present a suggestion?

Phrases like "How about...?" or "You might consider..." are commonly used to present suggestions.

Can advice be paid for?

Yes, professionals like lawyers or consultants often provide advice for a fee.

Is a suggestion always actionable?

While suggestions often propose a course of action, they can also be general ideas or hints.

Aggressive vs. Passionate

Exclusive vs. Premier

About Author

Written by

Janet White

Janet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.

Edited by

Harlon Moss

Harlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.