{"id":9125,"date":"2022-09-15T03:56:21","date_gmt":"2022-09-15T03:56:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/english-grammar-lessons.com\/?p=9125"},"modified":"2022-09-15T03:56:21","modified_gmt":"2022-09-15T03:56:21","slug":"please-advise-meaning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/english-grammar-lessons.com\/please-advise-meaning\/","title":{"rendered":"Please Advise \u2013 Meaning, Origin and Usage"},"content":{"rendered":"

Are you looking for a polite way to ask your boss for direction on a project? Maybe a client is looking for extra work but your supervisor has not signed off. One way to ask for clear direction in a professional manner is to say \u201cplease advise\u201d. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.<\/p>\n

Meaning<\/h2>\n

The meaning of please advise is to ask a person for their thoughts on an action or saying. When you are requesting information on how to move forward, or what the best course of action may be, using the phrase please advise is acceptable. A simple way to explain the phrase is to recommend or inform a person. In most cases, the phrase advise is used in a professional or official manner.<\/strong><\/p>\n

A person casually seeking help with a problem or concern will just ask for \u201chelp\u201d. In official, professional, or formal settings, please advise is preferred. To brief a person on a subject, to appraise them of a situation, or even to offer counsel are other meanings of the phrase please advise.<\/p>\n

Example<\/h2>\n

\u201cShould the patient take sleeping pills before or after their meal? Please advise\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease advise if you think that this order can be approved by Friday\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease advise us of which way you want to go in regards to hiring for this position\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease advise the team if this answer to the client's demands is acceptable\u201d.<\/p>\n

Origin<\/h2>\n

Asking for advice or direction isn\u2019t new. However, the actual phrase please advise started being used in the 1800s. The phrase was mainly used to ask for insight or to encourage people to respond via written mail. The term was used amongst the gentry and the law sect alike. As the 20th century rolled around, it was found commonly in email communications between professionals. It is common in business communications, educational exchanges, and other formal situations.<\/p>\n

When the phrase first started, it was intended as a polite request for the reader or listener to pay attention to the topic. It transformed into a formal method of requesting a decision or further information in regard to said topic. In modern times, it is mostly used in highly formal settings, official documents, legal forums, and the like. When used in casual conversation or communication, it is considered passive-aggressive.<\/p>\n