Advise vs. advice (and are we using "advise" too much?)

Advise vs. Advice

What’s the difference between the two?....And, are we using the words “advise” or “advised” in our reports too much?!

Advice is a noun that refers to recommendations or suggestions about what someone should do. 

Advise is a verb that means to offer advice or recommendations.

So, when thinking about police reports, ask yourself…is the word “advise” (to give advice or recommendations to someone) really the right word to use?

I’ve read a lot of police reports where everyone involved is advising each other of various things. Examples: - The driver advised me her license was valid.

-         I advised her I would be issuing a summons for speeding.

-         The witness advised he saw a man running down the street after he heard a loud bang.

Is anyone in the above examples really giving advice or recommendations??

No! They are really just telling the other person some bit of information.

As police officers, a lot of us use “advise” or “advised” too much in our reports. In reality, the words told, reported, stated, said, etc. would fit better. 

Mix in words like told, reported, stated, said in your reports rather than using “advise” or “advised” so much.  Variety is the spice of life!!