10 Phrasal Verbs for Talking About Advice in English
When discussing advice in English, phrasal verbs are an excellent way to sound more natural and conversational. These versatile expressions combine a verb with one or more particles (prepositions or adverbs) to create a meaning that is often different from the individual words. Here’s a guide to some of the most useful phrasal verbs for talking about giving, receiving, and acting on advice.
1. Dish Out
Definition: To give advice, criticism, or comments freely and sometimes harshly.
Examples:
Sarah loves to dish out advice to everyone, even if they don’t ask for it.
He’s great at dishing out criticism, but he doesn’t take it very well.
2. Jump In
Definition: To interrupt or involve yourself in a conversation or situation, often to give advice or help.
Examples:
When I heard them talking about starting a business, I couldn’t help but jump in with my own experience.
Please don’t jump in unless you have something constructive to add.
3. Rely On
Definition: To depend on someone or something for support, help, or advice.
Examples:
I always rely on my best friend for advice when I’m making big decisions.
You can rely on this book if you need guidance on managing your finances.
4. Look Up To
Definition: To admire someone and consider them a source of inspiration or advice.
Examples:
Many people look up to their grandparents for wisdom and life advice.
I’ve always looked up to my older sister because she’s so level-headed.
5. Seek Out
Definition: To actively search for advice, help, or information.
Examples:
If you’re struggling, don’t be afraid to seek out professional advice.
She sought out her mentor’s guidance before making her career change.
6. Take On
Definition: To accept advice, responsibility, or challenges.
Examples:
He decided to take on his coach’s advice and train harder for the marathon.
I’ve been taking on too much advice from different people and now I’m overwhelmed.
7. Brush Off
Definition: To dismiss advice, criticism, or comments as unimportant or irrelevant.
Examples:
She brushed off her parents’ advice to save money and spent it all on a holiday.
It’s frustrating when people brush off good advice just because they don’t want to hear it.
8. Turn To
Definition: To go to someone for help, support, or advice.
Examples:
Whenever I feel stuck, I turn to my dad for advice.
You can always turn to a trusted friend when you need someone to listen.
9. Act On
Definition: To take action based on the advice or information received.
Examples:
She acted on her doctor’s advice and started exercising regularly.
It’s important to act on feedback if you want to improve.
10. Pass On
Definition: To share advice, information, or knowledge with someone else.
Examples:
My grandmother passed on some great advice about staying positive during tough times.
He loves passing on his expertise to younger colleagues.
Phrasal verbs add a dynamic, natural tone to your English conversations. Using these expressions when discussing advice will help you communicate more effectively and connect with others. Whether you’re dishing out advice or acting on someone else’s suggestions, these phrasal verbs will come in handy.