- 2-minute read
- 10th October 2022
Word Choice: Adviser vs. Advisor
English is a wonderful language, but it does have its tricky areas. For example, the English language has lots of words that sound very similar but are used differently.
When you’re learning English as a second language, it can be challenging to figure out the correct word choice, especially when you’re working with words like adviser and advisor that sound the same. To add to the confusion, these are both nouns that refer to someone who gives advice or counsel, but they can be used in different ways.
Don’t worry, though – we’re here to help! Today we’ll explain the difference between adviser and advisor and include examples of how to use each in a sentence.
Adviser
Adviser is less formal than advisor. Adviser is listed in most dictionaries as the correct spelling of the word and is more widely used.
One thing to note: the U.S. government gives people the title of adviser when they give investment advice. So, if you’re talking about someone who gives financial advice about investments, be sure to use adviser.
Keeley is an investment adviser.
I’ve been doing this a long time – I don’t need advisers.
Advisor
Advisor is more formal than adviser. Advisor is most often used when referring to someone in an official position.
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Jonathan is my most trusted advisor.
Katy is a legal advisor at a big firm in the city.
The Bottom Line
In short, whether you use adviser or advisor, people will know what you mean. Both are correct when referring to someone who gives advice or counsel to someone else.
Adviser is less formal and more commonly used while advisor usually describes someone in an official position. The exception is when you’re referring to someone who gives advice about financial investments. According to the U.S. government, these are advisers.
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