Why This Lesson Matters:
In English, saying "you should" repeatedly sounds repetitive and sometimes pushy. Native speakers use a variety of expressions to give advice diplomatically, ranging from gentle suggestions to direct recommendations. Today you'll master 6 natural ways to give advice.
Today's Focus: Giving Advice & Suggestions
There's an art to giving advice in English. Too direct and you sound bossy. Too soft and people don't take you seriously.
Today you'll learn 6 expressions for giving advice at different levels of directness,
then practice using them with real-life problem scenarios.
What You'll Learn Today
3 gentle ways to suggest something
3 direct but polite ways to give advice
When to use formal vs. informal expressions
The advice strength scale (gentle → strong)
Practice with real-life problem scenarios
Timed advice-giving challenges
The Advice Spectrum
From Gentle Suggestion to Strong Advice
Gentle
"Have you thought about..."
Moderate
"You could always..."
Stronger
"If I were you..."
Direct
"My advice would be..."
Lesson Structure
Gentle Advice & Suggestions
Click each expression to see the meaning and example
These expressions are softer and more diplomatic. Use them when you want to suggest something without being pushy.
3 Gentle Ways to Give Advice
1. "Have you thought about..." / "Have you considered..."
Meaning: Very gentle suggestion - you're asking if they've considered an option Formality: Neutral (works in most situations) Strength: Very gentle - leaves them room to say no When to use: When you want to plant an idea without pushing
Example conversation:
A: "I'm exhausted all the time and I don't know why."
B: "Have you thought about getting your vitamin levels checked? That helped me when I felt the same way."
2. "Why don't you..."
Meaning: Friendly, informal suggestion - sounds like a casual idea Formality: Informal/Casual Strength: Gentle - friendly and conversational When to use: With friends, family, or people you know well
Example conversation:
A: "I hate my commute. It takes two hours each day."
B: "Why don't you look into remote work options? A lot of companies are offering that now."
3. "It might be worth..." / "It could be worth..."
Meaning: Diplomatic suggestion - you're saying something could have value Formality: Neutral/Slightly formal Strength: Moderate - suggests benefit without pressure When to use: Professional settings or when you want to sound thoughtful
Example conversation:
A: "I keep forgetting important dates and deadlines."
B: "It might be worth setting up a digital calendar with reminders. I found it really helps with organization."
Practice Using Gentle Advice
Try responding to these problems using gentle advice expressions:
Problem 1:
"I want to learn guitar but I don't have time to take lessons." Try: "Have you thought about..." or "Why don't you..."
Problem 2:
"My back hurts every day from sitting at my desk." Try: "It might be worth..." or "Have you considered..."
Problem 3:
"I'm terrible at saving money. I spend everything I earn." Try: "Why don't you..." or "It could be worth..."
Pro Tip: Gentle advice works best when you add your own experience:
"Have you thought about [advice]? That's what worked for me when..."
"It might be worth [advice]. I've heard good things about it."
Direct Advice (But Still Polite)
When to Be More Direct: Sometimes people need clear advice, not just gentle suggestions.
These expressions are stronger but still polite. Use them when someone asks directly for your advice or when the situation is serious.
3 Direct Ways to Give Advice
4. "If I were you, I'd..." / "If I were in your shoes, I'd..."
Meaning: Classic advice phrase - you're saying what you would do in their situation Formality: Neutral Strength: Moderately strong - clear recommendation When to use: When someone asks "What would you do?" or when you have relevant experience
Example conversation:
A: "Should I accept the job offer? The salary is lower but the work is more interesting."
B: "If I were you, I'd take it. Money isn't everything, and you'll be happier doing work you enjoy."
5. "You could always..."
Meaning: Presenting an option they might not have thought of - sounds flexible Formality: Neutral/Informal Strength: Moderate - offers a clear option without forcing it When to use: When suggesting an alternative or backup plan
Example conversation:
A: "I want to travel but I don't have enough vacation days."
B: "You could always take unpaid leave if your company allows it, or look for a job with better vacation benefits."
6. "My advice would be to..." / "I'd recommend..."
Meaning: Direct, authoritative advice - you're stating your clear recommendation Formality: Formal/Professional Strength: Strong - this is your definite opinion When to use: When someone specifically asks for your advice, or in professional contexts
Example conversation:
A: "What should I do about my difficult coworker who keeps taking credit for my work?"
B: "My advice would be to document everything and schedule a meeting with your manager. This needs to be addressed formally."
The Complete Advice Formula
Step 1: Show empathy/understanding
"I understand that's difficult..." / "That's a tough situation..." / "I see why you're concerned..."
Step 2: Give your advice using one of the expressions
"If I were you, I'd..." / "My advice would be to..." / "You could always..."
Step 3: Explain why (give a reason or benefit)
"...because..." / "The reason I say that is..." / "That way you'll..."
Optional Step 4: Offer support or alternatives
"But ultimately, it's your decision." / "Of course, you know your situation best." / "Another option could be..."
Practice Giving Direct Advice
Try responding to these problems using direct advice expressions:
Problem 1:
"My roommate never cleans and I'm getting really frustrated. What should I do?" Try: "If I were you, I'd..." or "My advice would be to..."
Problem 2:
"I failed my driving test twice. Should I give up?" Try: "You could always..." or "If I were in your shoes, I'd..."
Problem 3:
"My company wants me to relocate but my family doesn't want to move." Try: "My advice would be to..." or "If I were you, I'd..."
Important: Even with direct advice, respect their autonomy. You can end with phrases like:
• "But it's really up to you."
• "That's just my opinion."
• "You know your situation better than I do."
Choose Your Problem Scenarios
How this works: Select 2-3 problem scenario cards below. These represent real-life situations where people need advice.
You'll practice giving advice using the expressions you just learned. Your teacher will play the role of the person with the problem.
Select Your Scenarios (Click 2-3 Cards)
Career Dilemma
"I've been at my job for 5 years. The pay is good but I'm bored and unfulfilled. Should I quit and try something new, or stay for the security?"
Friend Conflict
"My best friend borrowed money from me six months ago and hasn't paid me back. I need the money but I don't want to ruin our friendship. What should I do?"
Money Problem
"I'm in debt from credit cards and I don't know how to get out. I make decent money but I spend too much. How can I fix this?"
Health & Lifestyle
"I know I need to exercise and eat better, but I'm always too tired after work. I've tried many times but I always give up. Any advice?"
Learning Challenge
"I've been trying to learn Spanish for years but I never stick with it. I lose motivation after a few weeks. How do I actually make progress?"
Family Situation
"My parents want me to follow a traditional career path, but I want to pursue something creative. They think it's impractical. How do I handle this?"
Housing Decision
"Should I buy a house now or wait? Prices are high, interest rates are uncertain, but rent keeps increasing. I can't decide."
Work-Life Balance
"My boss expects me to be available 24/7. I'm stressed and exhausted, but I'm worried about being seen as lazy if I set boundaries. What should I do?"
Your Selected Scenarios:
Click 2-3 cards above to select your problem scenarios...
Discussion Instructions
For each scenario you selected:
Round 1: Gentle Advice (1 minute):
Start with gentle suggestions using "Have you thought about...", "Why don't you...", or "It might be worth..."
Round 2: Stronger Advice (2 minutes):
If the person asks "But what would YOU do?", give stronger advice: "If I were you, I'd..." or "My advice would be to..."
Round 3: Discussion (2 minutes):
Discuss pros and cons of different options. Practice multiple advice expressions in one conversation.
Teacher's Role: Present the problem naturally, ask follow-up questions, and challenge the advice to keep the student talking!
Gentle Advice:
Have you thought about...
Why don't you...
It might be worth...
Direct Advice:
If I were you, I'd...
You could always...
My advice would be to...
Timed Advice Challenges
Challenge Time! Your teacher presents a problem, and you have to give comprehensive advice within the time limit.
Try to use multiple expressions and explain your reasoning fully. This builds your confidence in giving extended advice.
Select a Challenge
Risky Business
"A friend wants to quit their stable job to start a business with no experience"
Back to School
"Someone is considering going back to university at age 35"
Life Choices
"A couple is deciding whether to have children or focus on their careers"
Big Move
"Someone wants to move to a foreign country but doesn't speak the language"
Workplace Conflict
"A person is considering confronting their boss about unfair treatment"
Relationship Crossroads
"Someone is thinking about ending a long-term relationship because of different life goals"
Click a challenge above to begin
2:00
Starting:
"That's a tough situation..."
"I understand why you're torn..."
"Let me think about this..."
Giving Advice:
"If I were you, I'd..."
"My advice would be to..."
"Have you thought about..."
Explaining:
"The reason I say that is..."
"That way you could..."
"The benefit would be..."
Alternatives:
"Another option would be..."
"You could always..."
"Or alternatively..."
Role Reversal: Student as Life Coach
Special Activity: Your teacher presents a problem from their "life" and asks for your advice.
Practice being a supportive advisor who gives clear, helpful recommendations. This is your chance to practice all 6 expressions naturally!
After the Timer Exercise
Reflection Questions:
• Did you use at least 3 different advice expressions?
• Were you able to explain your reasoning clearly?
• Did you balance gentle suggestions with direct advice appropriately?
• Could you keep talking for the full time without running out of ideas?
Lesson Review
What You Learned Today
Gentle Advice
Have you thought about...
Why don't you...
It might be worth...
Direct Advice
If I were you, I'd...
You could always...
My advice would be to...
The Advice Strength Scale
Gentlest
Have you thought about...
Friendly
Why don't you...
Moderate
It might be worth...
Strong
If I were you, I'd...
Direct
My advice would be to...
Your Practice Sessions
Today you practiced:
Key Takeaways
Remember these principles:
1. Match advice strength to the situation: Use gentle advice for sensitive topics; use direct advice when someone specifically asks for your opinion.
2. Always explain your reasoning: Don't just say "do this" - explain WHY you think it's a good idea.
3. Show empathy first: Start with "I understand..." or "That's difficult..." before giving advice.
4. Respect their autonomy: End with "But it's your decision" to show you're not being controlling.
5. Use your own experience: Advice is more powerful when you say "This worked for me because..."
Homework (Optional)
Practice Task:
This week, pay attention to how you give advice in your native language, then practice translating those thoughts using these English expressions:
Day 1-2: Practice gentle advice - use the three gentle expressions in conversations Day 3-4: Practice direct advice - use the three stronger expressions Day 5-7: Listen for these expressions in English content (movies, podcasts, YouTube)
Bonus: Write down 3 times you heard native speakers giving advice this week - what expressions did they use?
Next in the Series
Speaking Naturally 04: Small Talk & Conversation Fillers
In the next lesson, you'll learn how to keep conversations flowing naturally without awkward silences, including:
• Conversation filler phrases
• Natural topic transitions
• How to "think out loud" in English
• Practice with random small talk topics
Teacher's Notes
Space for teacher observations:
• Which advice expressions did the student use most naturally?
• Which expressions need more practice?
• How was the student's reasoning and explanation?
• Scenarios that worked best:
• Notes for next lesson:
Great job today!
You now have 6 natural ways to give advice in English!