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Prepositions with nouns

“Of advice” or “for advice” with “advice”

“For advice” is the standard phrase when asking, searching, or paying for guidance. “Of advice” is not normally used directly after “advice” as an equivalent pattern, but it can appear in larger expressions such as “a piece of advice”.

Quick answer

Which phrase is correct?

Use “for advice” when someone wants, asks for, or pays for guidance. Do not usually use “of advice” directly after “advice.” However, “of advice” is natural in larger noun phrases such as “a piece of advice” or “words of advice.”

She called her mentor for advice about the interview.
He asked for advice on investing.
My grandfather gave me a piece of advice before I moved abroad.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
ask for advice

Requesting guidance

Use “for advice” after verbs such as ask, call, go, or look when someone wants guidance or recommendations.

I asked my teacher for advice about university applications.
They went to a lawyer for advice on the contract.
2
pay for advice

Receiving professional guidance

Use “for advice” when advice is a service or benefit someone pays to receive.

The company paid consultants for advice on cybersecurity.
3
a piece of advice

Referring to one recommendation

Because “advice” is uncountable, English commonly uses expressions with “of,” such as “a piece of advice.”

She gave me a piece of advice that I still remember.
Here is one bit of advice for new managers.
4
words of advice

Giving guidance or warnings

“Of advice” appears naturally in fixed noun phrases like “words of advice.” The preposition belongs to the noun phrase, not to the verb.

Before the trip, he offered a few words of advice about safety.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
for advice
She contacted a financial planner for advice.
Standard expression meaning she wanted guidance or recommendations.
of advice
He shared a piece of advice with the team.
Natural only inside larger noun phrases such as “piece of advice” or “words of advice.”
advice on
They asked for advice on taxes.
“On” introduces the topic of the advice.
advice about
I need advice about renting an apartment.
“About” also introduces the subject being discussed.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using “of advice” as a direct alternative to “for advice”

Do not use “of advice” after verbs like ask or look when you mean guidance.

✕ She asked of advice from her manager. ✓ She asked for advice from her manager.

Counting “advice” directly

“Advice” is usually uncountable in standard English.

✕ He gave me an advice. ✓ He gave me some advice.

Confusing the topic preposition

Use “on” or “about” to introduce the subject of the advice.

✕ They asked for advice for taxes. ✓ They asked for advice on taxes.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. She went to her professor ___ advice about the project.
2. My uncle gave me a piece ___ advice before the interview.
3. We asked for advice ___ buying a used car.

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Frequently asked questions

Is “for advice” correct English?

Yes. It is the standard phrase when someone wants or seeks guidance.

Can “of advice” ever be correct?

Yes, but usually only inside larger noun phrases such as “a piece of advice,” “bits of advice,” or “words of advice.”

Should I use “advice on” or “advice about”?

Both are common. They introduce the subject of the guidance, although “on” is often slightly more formal or specific.

of, about, against, to or for racism? of, about, for, in or on friendship? of, about, for, on or to thing? of, about, for, to or with sex? of, about, on, to or for moon? "of access" or "with access"? "of accommodation" or "for accommodation"? "of accuracy" or "for accuracy"? "of action" or "in action"? "of actor", "with actor" or "by actor"? "of address" or "to address"? "of administration" or "in administration"?

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