Choose the option that will replace the error highlighted in bold.
Please advise on how I can give my advise.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
Correct Answer
advise, advice
Explanation
The question tests the grammatical distinction between homophones that function as different parts of speech: one is a verb and the other is a noun. To solve this quickly for an exam, look at the position of each word in the sentence structure.
The sentence requires two words:
"Please ___" requires an action word, which means you need the verb form. The spelling with an 's'—advise—is the verb meaning to offer suggestions or counsel.
"...give my ___" requires an object or a thing being given, which means you need the noun form. The spelling with a 'c'—advice—is the noun meaning the actual recommendation or guidance offered.
The original sentence mistakenly uses the verb "advise" at the very end where a noun belongs. Substituting the correct forms into the blanks gives: "Please advise on how I can give my advice."
Therefore, Option 1 is the correct choice.
Key Points
Differentiating between confusing word pairs requires identifying whether the sentence slot demands an action verb (advise) or an object noun (advice).
The word "advise" functions as a functional verb (sounding like a 'z'), whereas "advice" functions as a countable/uncountable noun (sounding like an 's').