Do you tend to give unsolicited advice a lot?
What does it mean when we say “unsolicited advice”?
This is when we give advice even if someone has not asked for it.
It can sound rude if you say it the wrong way. However today we’ll show you how to give this type of advice in English while also sounding humble for the connection that you want in English.
Here we have a question from a listener:
I’m an old listener of AEE, and thank you ladies very much for making the best English learning podcast. When you get the chance, could you please make an episode about unsolicited advice?
The reason for the request is that recently a friend/former colleague of mine from the US told me that he’s hurt his hand, and I wanted to help him or at least let him know that I care. So I shared with him a method that might be helpful for the recovery, but in the back of my mind I also worried/doubted if it’s a good idea because he didn’t ask for my advice. Besides, I’m not a doctor.
In my culture, or at least in the people around me, it seems pretty common to give advice if others complain or tell us their trouble. What is it like in your culture? Under what circumstances would you complain or share your trouble with your friends? And when you do, do you expect to get advice or what else would you be expecting?
Thank you very much, as always!
All the best,
Sophia
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How to express humility while you offer unsolicited advice:
What do these phrases do?
Emphasize humility, openness to the idea that you’re not an expert and that you might be wrong.
This shows the person that you are care and that you are not just trying to offer them advice to benefit your own ego.
- Take this with a grain of salt
- Not sure if this resonates but
- Take this for what it’s worth but….
- Take this advice or leave it but…
- (Take it or leave it but…)
- Not sure if this is what you’re looking for but
What questions do you have from today?
Let us know your questions below!
