Ever finished a message with “please advise” and thought about other ways to ask for advice or suggestions? You’re not the only one. While it’s a common phrase in emails and letters, it can become monotonous.
Here’s the good news: you can use a set of different phrases that can make your requests sound more diverse and interesting. Whether you’re reaching out to a coworker or seeking assistance, these phrases will keep your messages refreshing and understandable.
Let’s look at some unique ways to express “please advise” that will seamlessly fit into your daily chats.
Other Ways to Say “Please Advise”
- Kindly advise me
- Your input would be appreciated
- Awaiting your advice on the matter
- Please let me know your thoughts
- Awaiting further instruction/s
- Your guidance is sought here
- I would appreciate some advice
- Can you give me some advice
- Do you have any advice?
- Let me know what you think
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- “Please advise” is a usual phrase you might use when you need advice from someone.
- You can try other options like “kindly advise me” or “your input would be appreciated” for a refined approach.
- Using “Let me know what you think” can make it informal and chatty.
7 Formal Alternatives To “Please Advise”
When talking in a professional setting, it’s important that you ask for advice or information in a polite and clear way. Here are seven other ways to say “please advise” that can improve the way you write emails.
Kindly advise me
When you say “Kindly advise me,” you’re politely asking for someone’s expert opinion or guidance on an issue. This phrase is a good swap for “please advise” as it adds a hint of politeness to your request.
It works best when you’re talking to someone you have a formal relationship with, like a boss or a professional consultant. The word ‘please’ softens the tone, making it a good choice for formal business emails where being polite is crucial.
Sample Email
Dear Dr. Smith,
I have attached the final draft of the project proposal for the community health initiative. Kindly advise me on any improvements or changes that may enhance the effectiveness of our proposal. Your insights have always been invaluable to our team.
Best regards,
Your input would be appreciated
Using “Your input would be appreciated” shows that you’re not just passively asking for advice, but you genuinely value the person’s thoughts. This phrase is a polite and formal way of saying “please advise.”
Use this when you need a response, but you don’t want to come off as pushy. So, if you’re in a professional environment where you’re talking to someone whose opinion you respect, such as a mentor or a coworker with specialized knowledge.
Sample Email
Dear Mr. Johnson,
I am writing to discuss our upcoming marketing strategy for the new product line. Your input would be appreciated, especially regarding the consumer engagement tactics outlined in the attached document.
Sincerely,
Awaiting your advice on the matter
This option has a very specific use. When you say, “Awaiting your advice on the matter” you mean that you’re expecting a response, and it’s somewhat urgent. This phrase is a stronger way to say “please advise.” It is especially useful when you’ve already discussed the issue and now need detailed advice to move forward.
Even though it sounds urgent, this phrase is still suitable for communications with a boss or someone higher-up at work. Especially if their advice or feedback is important for you to start or finish a task.
Sample Email
Dear Ms. Lee,
Following our conversation about the ongoing negotiations with XYZ Corporation, I have revised the contract terms based on the points we discussed. I’m awaiting your advice on the matter, as we are scheduled to meet with the other party early next week.
Warm regards,
Awaiting further instruction(s)
Like the previous option, choosing “awaiting further instruction(s)” emphasizes that you’re stuck until you receive more information.
However, this formal request is mainly used in hierarchical work environments, where tasks are often assigned through a chain of command. Use this phrase when you’ve done your part of the work and need more details or instructions to proceed with a project or task.
Sample Email
Dear Mr. Thompson,
I have completed the draft of the annual financial report as per the outline provided. Awaiting further instructions on any specific areas you would like to emphasize.
Best,
Please let me know your thoughts
“Please tell me your thoughts” is a phrase you can use when seeking feedback on an idea or plan. It’s another way to ask for comprehensive feedback and suggests that you’re open to suggestions and value the person’s opinion.
You can use this phrase in formal communication with a variety of people, from coworkers to meeting members and from bosses to mentors. Use this line when you want to encourage a group discussion or when you’re trying to understand the person’s point of view on a business matter.
Sample Email
Dear Team Leads,
Please let me know your thoughts on the proposed curriculum and structure, which you will find attached.
Regards,
Your guidance is sought here
“Your guidance is sought here” implies a higher level of formality and is a good swap for “please advise” when talking to individuals of higher authority or expertise. This phrase conveys deep respect and the understanding that the person has the necessary insight or knowledge to help you. Use this line when the situation calls for expert input or directional advice in a professional context.
Sample Email
Dear Professor Watkins,
Your extensive knowledge in regulatory affairs makes your input extremely important to us. Your guidance is sought here to ensure that our policies meet all legal requirements and best practices in the industry.
Sincerely,
I would appreciate some advice
Finally, “I would appreciate some advice” is a direct yet polite way to ask for guidance. It’s an easy alternative to “please advise” that maintains formality without being overly stiff. This can be effectively used when you’re open to receiving different perspectives or suggestions on how to approach a problem or decision.
In this sense, it’s a very adaptable formal alternative to “please advise.” It invites the person to share their knowledge, signaling that their expertise is recognized and valued. The person you’re asking could be anyone from a coworker to a boss.
Sample Email
Dear Ms. Gonzalez,
I would appreciate some advice on whether to pursue a managerial role in my current department or to seek opportunities that align more closely with my recent professional certifications.
Kind regards,
3 Informal Alternatives To “Please Advise”
Moving from the formal “please advise” to a more laid-back style can make your emails seem friendlier and easier to connect with. Here are three chilled-out options you could try when you want to ask for advice or feedback.
Can you give me some advice?
If you’re looking to make your request for advice a bit more casual, try using “Can you give me some advice?” This phrase feels like you’re asking a friend for their opinion while grabbing a coffee together. It’s laid-back, but it still shows that you value their input.
This kind of phrase is great for less formal work environments or when talking to friends or colleagues you’re close with. It’s straightforward, friendly, and invites a detailed response.
Sample Email
Hey Sam,
I’ve been racking my brain about the best approach for the social media campaign we discussed. Can you give me some advice on how to engage our audience more effectively?
Cheers,
Do you have any advice?
Even simpler, “Do you have any advice?” is a direct and efficient way to ask for advice without all the formality of “please advise.”
This informal option is great when you need feedback quickly. It shows that you’re ready to listen without needing a lengthy discussion.
If you’re pressed for time but need some quick thoughts, sending a message or email like, “Do you have any advice on this outline?” can speed things up. It’s also a great way to encourage someone to share their thoughts freely without feeling pressured by formalities.
Sample Email
Hi Jess,
I’m about to update our blog layout to make it more user-friendly. Do you have any advice or quick tips before I dive in?
Thanks a bunch,
Let me know what you think
Finally, “Tell me what you think” is a casual and easy way to ask for advice that can take the place of “please advise.” This everyday phrase is more like a friendly push for someone’s opinion rather than a formal request for professional guidance. You would use this phrase when you need advice, but it’s not urgent.
Imagine ending an email with, “Hey, I’ve attached the designs for our next project. Tell me what you think when you get the chance!” It shows that their feedback is important, but it also respects their time, letting them respond when they’re able to. It’s relaxed, but it gets the job done effectively.
Sample Email
Hi Mike,
I just finished drafting the itinerary for the team offsite. I tried to include activities that everyone would enjoy. Let me know what you think when you get a chance.
All the best,
In conclusion, diversifying the way you ask for advice or guidance can make your communication more effective and engaging. Whether you’re aiming for formality or seeking a more laid-back tone, there’s an alternative to “please advise” that fits the bill. By exploring these ten alternatives to “please advise”, you can add versatility to your communication style and ensure your messages are well-received.
