When we write “please advise,” we’re asking someone to offer guidance, information, or a decision. But over time this short phrase has become a little rigid or old-fashioned in many contexts.
Choosing a different expression helps you match your tone to your audience and sound more natural. Whether you are writing a formal business email or chatting in a casual team chat, the right wording changes how your message is received.
In this article you’ll learn what the phrase means, when and how to use it, its pros and cons—and most importantly a big list of fresh alternatives (with examples) so you can pick the best one for your situation.
What Does “Please Advise” Mean?
The phrase “please advise” is a polite request meaning: Please give me guidance, please tell me what to do next, or please let me know your decision. Grammarly+2upskillstutor.com+2
In grammar terms:
- Advise is a verb meaning to give suggestions or information. QuillBot+1
- The speaker is implicitly asking the recipient: “Please advise me (on what to do).” Many writers omit “me”. Grammarly+1
When to Use “Please Advise”
You’ll typically see “please advise” in contexts such as:
- Formal / business emails: When you need someone’s decision, approval, or direction (e.g., “We are ready to launch. Please advise on next steps.”) livexp.com+1
- Written rather than spoken communication: It often appears at the end of a message asking for a response. Grammarly+1
- When the next action depends on their input: You can’t proceed until they “advise”. erwinlawfirm.com
It’s usually less common in casual spoken English or informal chats, where more conversational phrases are preferred.
Is It Professional / Polite to Say “Please Advise”?
Yes—but with caveats. On one hand, “please advise” is certainly polite; it shows you’re requesting help or input. On the other hand, many writing-guides warn it can feel generic, overly formal, or even demanding if you don’t provide context. Grammarly+2erwinlawfirm.com+2
In professional settings you’ll want to:
- Provide specific context so the recipient knows what you are asking.
- Use a tone that matches your relationship—if you are emailing a close colleague, something less formal might feel friendlier.
- Avoid using it repeatedly in many messages, because it might seem like a passive-aggressive shorthand.
Pros and Cons of Using “Please Advise”
Pros:
- ✔ Clear, straightforward request for input or decision
- ✔ Works in many formal business or legal situations
- ✔ Short and easy to write
Cons:
- ✘ Can feel impersonal or cold
- ✘ May come across as vague if you don’t specify what you’re asking for erwinlawfirm.com
- ✘ Might sound outdated or a bit rigid in modern workplace communication
List Section: 20 Alternative Phrases
Here are 20+ useful alternatives to “please advise,” with meaning, explanation, example, best use context, worst use context, and tone.
- Phrase: Could you please provide your input?
Meaning: Asking someone to share their thoughts or perspective.
Explanation: More collaborative than simply “advise”.
Example Sentence: “I’m finalising the proposal—could you please provide your input before we send it?”
Best Use: Formal / Business
Worst Use: Very informal chat (“Hey, could you…” might feel too formal)
Tone: Formal & Friendly - Phrase: I would appreciate your guidance on this.
Meaning: You need someone’s direction or advice.
Explanation: Soft request, respectful.
Example Sentence: “We’ve run into an issue with the budget. I would appreciate your guidance on how to proceed.”
Best Use: Formal / Business
Worst Use: Casual text among friends (“I’d appreciate…” may sound serious)
Tone: Formal & Respectful - Phrase: Please let me know your thoughts.
Meaning: Invite someone to share their opinion.
Explanation: More conversational than “please advise”.
Example Sentence: “Here’s the draft document—please let me know your thoughts.”
Best Use: Business / Semi-formal
Worst Use: Ultra formal legal document (“Let me know your thoughts” might feel too relaxed)
Tone: Friendly & Neutral - Phrase: Could you confirm how you would like to proceed?
Meaning: Asking for decision or direction.
Explanation: Very clear about what you need.
Example Sentence: “The system update is ready; could you confirm how you would like to proceed?”
Best Use: Formal / Business decision-making
Worst Use: Casual chat (sounds too formal)
Tone: Formal & Direct - Phrase: Kindly advise on the next steps.
Meaning: Requesting advice on what to do next.
Explanation: Retains “advise” but adds “kindly” to soften.
Example Sentence: “We’ve collected the data. Kindly advise on the next steps.”
Best Use: Formal / Business
Worst Use: Very casual scenario (“Kindly” might sound overly formal)
Tone: Formal & Polite - Phrase: Please keep me informed.
Meaning: Asking to be updated or kept in the loop.
Explanation: Less about advice; more about information flow.
Example Sentence: “Once you’ve had the client call, please keep me informed.”
Best Use: Business / Informal-Business
Worst Use: Informal social chat (“Keep me informed” may sound too business-like)
Tone: Neutral & Professional - Phrase: Let me know what you think about this.
Meaning: Invite opinion in a casual way.
Explanation: Friendly, less formal.
Example Sentence: “Here’s the concept sketch—let me know what you think about this.”
Best Use: Semi-formal / Casual business
Worst Use: Legal / highly formal audience (may sound too laid-back)
Tone: Friendly - Phrase: Please get back to me at your earliest convenience.
Meaning: Asking for a response as soon as they can.
Explanation: Polite, slightly urgent.
Example Sentence: “We need to finalise the supplier by Friday—please get back to me at your earliest convenience.”
Best Use: Formal / Business with deadline
Worst Use: Casual day-to-day chat (“At your earliest convenience” may feel too heavy)
Tone: Professional & Urgent - Phrase: Could you advise whether this approach is acceptable?
Meaning: Seeking approval or judgement.
Explanation: Focused on acceptability rather than broad advice.
Example Sentence: “We plan to change the layout—could you advise whether this approach is acceptable?”
Best Use: Formal / Business review
Worst Use: Informal yes/no chat (“Could you advise…” sounds too formal)
Tone: Formal - Phrase: I’d value your feedback on this matter.
Meaning: Asking specifically for feedback.
Explanation: Emphasises the listener’s opinion is valued.
Example Sentence: “Our user-interface prototype is ready—I’d value your feedback on this matter.”
Best Use: Business / Professional
Worst Use: Very casual (“I’d value…” might sound over-formal)
Tone: Professional & Warm - Phrase: Let’s discuss the best way forward.
Meaning: Inviting a conversation about the next steps.
Explanation: Collaborative; less “please do something” and more “let’s work together”.
Example Sentence: “We have several options for the project—let’s discuss the best way forward.”
Best Use: Business meetings / team collaboration
Worst Use: One-line email asking a direct question (“Let’s discuss…” may delay decision)
Tone: Friendly & Team-oriented - Phrase: What are your thoughts on this?
Meaning: Open-ended invitation for opinion.
Explanation: Casual, friendly and less directive.
Example Sentence: “Here’s the revised budget—what are your thoughts on this?”
Best Use: Semi-formal / Informal business
Worst Use: Formal legal brief (“What are your thoughts…” might feel too relaxed)
Tone: Neutral & Conversational - Phrase: Please let me know how you wish to proceed.
Meaning: Asking for the direction or decision.
Explanation: Clear that you need a response for next step.
Example Sentence: “The draft contract is attached—please let me know how you wish to proceed.”
Best Use: Formal / Business
Worst Use: Casual text (“Please let me know…” with “how you wish to proceed” may sound heavy)
Tone: Formal - Phrase: Could you clarify what you expect from us?
Meaning: Asking for clarification of expectations.
Explanation: Useful when you’re unsure of the other party’s role.
Example Sentence: “Before we begin the marketing campaign, could you clarify what you expect from us?”
Best Use: Business / Project-planning
Worst Use: Social chat (“Clarify what you expect from us” sounds too formal)
Tone: Professional - Phrase: Please advise on how to move forward.
Meaning: Requesting direction for next action.
Explanation: Similar to “please advise” but adds “how to move forward” to make it more specific.
Example Sentence: “We’ve resolved the error code, but the root cause isn’t clear—please advise on how to move forward.”
Best Use: Formal / Business
Worst Use: Informal casual chat (sounds too business-y)
Tone: Formal - Phrase: I’m awaiting your instructions.
Meaning: You’re ready to act once they tell you what to do.
Explanation: Implies you need their instruction before proceeding.
Example Sentence: “All documentation is ready—I’m awaiting your instructions.”
Best Use: Business / Formal
Worst Use: Very casual conversation (“I’m awaiting…” may sound stiff)
Tone: Formal - Phrase: Please advise me of your decision.
Meaning: Directly asking for a decision.
Explanation: Slightly stronger than “input”—you need yes/no or clear direction.
Example Sentence: “We’ve submitted the two proposals—please advise me of your decision.”
Best Use: Formal / Business
Worst Use: Social chat (“Please advise me of your decision” sounds too formal)
Tone: Formal - Phrase: Let me know how you’d like to proceed.
Meaning: Invite the other party to choose the next step.
Explanation: Friendly, collaborative.
Example Sentence: “We can reschedule for Tuesday or Wednesday—let me know how you’d like to proceed.”
Best Use: Semi-formal / Informal business
Worst Use: Legal contract (“Let me know how you’d like to proceed” may lack precision)
Tone: Friendly - Phrase: Please advise if you need any further information.
Meaning: Offering more details and inviting response if needed.
Explanation: Good when you’re sending something and want to make sure they can respond if necessary.
Example Sentence: “Attached is the financial report—please advise if you need any further information.”
Best Use: Formal / Business
Worst Use: Very brief chat (“Please advise if you need…” may sound formal)
Tone: Professional - Phrase: Could you please weigh in on this?
Meaning: Ask for someone’s opinion or involvement.
Explanation: More informal, slightly less traditional.
Example Sentence: “We’re debating the new design—could you please weigh in on this?”
Best Use: Semi-formal / Informal business
Worst Use: Formal legal writing (“Weigh in” may sound too casual)
Tone: Friendly - Phrase: Let me know your preference.
Meaning: You’re asking which option they prefer.
Explanation: Keeps tone light and decision-focused.
Example Sentence: “Would you like the meeting in the morning or afternoon? Let me know your preference.”
Best Use: Casual business / informal
Worst Use: Highly formal or technical document (“Let me know your preference” may lack formality)
Tone: Casual Friendly - Phrase: I look forward to your advice.
Meaning: You are anticipating their guidance.
Explanation: Polite and slightly formal; projects positive tone.
Example Sentence: “We are considering launching in April—I look forward to your advice.”
Best Use: Formal / Business
Worst Use: Very casual chat (“Look forward to your advice” may sound too formal)
Tone: Formal & Courteous - Phrase: Please share your viewpoint.
Meaning: Requesting their perspective.
Explanation: Emphasises their personal view.
Example Sentence: “Given your market experience, please share your viewpoint on this strategy.”
Best Use: Business / Professional
Worst Use: Informal quick message (“Share your viewpoint” may feel too serious)
Tone: Professional
Comparison Table
Here’s a quick comparison of some of the top alternatives by tone and best usage:
| Phrase | Tone | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| I would appreciate your guidance on this. | Formal respectful | Business / senior audience |
| Please let me know your thoughts. | Friendly & neutral | Team email or semi-formal chat |
| Could you confirm how you would like to proceed? | Formal & direct | Decision-point emails |
| Let me know how you’d like to proceed. | Friendly & collaborative | Project discussion email |
| Could you please weigh in on this? | Semi-formal friendly | Brainstorming or team invite |
FAQs
Q1: Is “please advise” always wrong?
No. It’s not wrong grammatically. But at times it can sound outdated, vague, or too heavy for the context. Grammarly+1
Q2: When should I avoid using “please advise”?
Avoid it in casual chats, team-messaging apps, or when you want a friendly tone. Also avoid if you haven’t clearly stated what you need—it becomes ambiguous.
Q3: What’s the difference between “advise” and “advice”?
“Advise” is a verb: to give suggestions. “Advice” is a noun: the suggestions themselves. Example: “Please advise me” vs “I need your advice.” Scribbr+1
Q4: Does using a different phrase really matter?
Yes—it affects how you come across. The right phrase can feel more personal, clear and polished. It shows you’re mindful of tone.
Q5: Can I use these alternatives in spoken English?
Absolutely. Many of the alternatives (especially the more informal ones) are perfect for spoken language or video calls—just adjust slightly (e.g., “Can you give me your thoughts?”).
Conclusion
Choosing the right phrase instead of the default “please advise” gives your writing more nuance, clarity and polish.
Whether you need someone’s decision, their feedback, or just want them to share their view—you now have over 20 excellent alternatives to pick from.
Try experimenting with different phrases in your emails, chats and reports. Your tone will feel more natural, your requests clearer—and you’ll sound more confident and fluent in English communication.
David Jonson is an experienced English language writer who specializes in clear, practical, and learner-friendly content. He helps students and professionals improve their communication skills with confidence.