The phrase “please advise” is common in professional emails, often used to ask for feedback, direction, or a decision. However, it can sometimes sound too formal or robotic, especially in everyday communication.
To sound more natural and approachable, here are 25 alternatives you can use—each with meaning, explanation, example, best use, and tone—to fit different professional situations.
1. Please let me know
Meaning: Kindly inform me about something.
Detailed Explanation: The most common and polite replacement for “please advise.”
Scenario Example: “Please let me know if this works for you.”
Best Use: All professional and casual emails.
Tone: Polite and approachable.
2. Could you please confirm
Meaning: Ask for confirmation or clarification.
Detailed Explanation: Ideal when you want someone to verify information.
Scenario Example: “Could you please confirm if the meeting is still on Thursday?”
Best Use: Business emails and formal settings.
Tone: Courteous and clear.
3. What do you think?
Meaning: Ask for someone’s opinion or feedback.
Detailed Explanation: Makes your message sound conversational and collaborative.
Scenario Example: “I’ve outlined a few options—what do you think?”
Best Use: Friendly or team-based communication.
Tone: Open and engaging.
4. I’d appreciate your feedback
Meaning: Politely request input or review.
Detailed Explanation: Shows gratitude while asking for advice.
Scenario Example: “I’d appreciate your feedback on this draft.”
Best Use: Work projects, reports, or proposals.
Tone: Respectful and appreciative.
5. Can you share your thoughts?
Meaning: Ask for opinions or insights.
Detailed Explanation: Slightly informal, promotes open discussion.
Scenario Example: “Can you share your thoughts on the new design?”
Best Use: Team communication.
Tone: Collaborative and polite.
6. I’d love your input
Meaning: Seek suggestions or opinions.
Detailed Explanation: Friendly and shows value for the recipient’s ideas.
Scenario Example: “I’d love your input on how to approach this client.”
Best Use: Creative or teamwork settings.
Tone: Warm and open.
7. Could you guide me on this?
Meaning: Request direction or advice.
Detailed Explanation: Respectfully asks for someone’s expertise.
Scenario Example: “Could you guide me on the next steps for approval?”
Best Use: Asking for mentorship or expertise.
Tone: Respectful and professional.
8. I’d like your recommendation
Meaning: Ask for professional judgment or choice.
Detailed Explanation: Polite and formal way to seek a decision.
Scenario Example: “I’d like your recommendation on which vendor to choose.”
Best Use: Work or client communication.
Tone: Formal and professional.
9. Can you clarify?
Meaning: Ask for more detail or explanation.
Detailed Explanation: Short, direct, and polite.
Scenario Example: “Can you clarify what’s included in the quote?”
Best Use: When precision is important.
Tone: Neutral and professional.
10. What would you suggest?
Meaning: Requesting advice or ideas.
Detailed Explanation: Friendly and conversational alternative.
Scenario Example: “What would you suggest as the next step?”
Best Use: Team or supervisor conversations.
Tone: Warm and respectful.
11. Could you please advise on this matter
Meaning: Formal variation of “please advise.”
Detailed Explanation: Still formal but smoother in tone.
Scenario Example: “Could you please advise on this matter before Friday?”
Best Use: Corporate communication.
Tone: Formal.
12. I’m looking for your advice
Meaning: Directly request help or counsel.
Detailed Explanation: Shows humility and willingness to learn.
Scenario Example: “I’m looking for your advice on handling this issue.”
Best Use: Manager or mentor communication.
Tone: Honest and respectful.
13. Kindly share your thoughts
Meaning: Request polite input.
Detailed Explanation: Works well in both formal and semi-formal messages.
Scenario Example: “Kindly share your thoughts when you have a moment.”
Best Use: Global or polite professional tone.
Tone: Gentle and courteous.
14. I’d be grateful for your advice
Meaning: Express appreciation while asking for input.
Detailed Explanation: Ideal for sensitive or respectful requests.
Scenario Example: “I’d be grateful for your advice on this matter.”
Best Use: Senior or formal communication.
Tone: Appreciative and polite.
15. Could you provide your opinion?
Meaning: Ask for someone’s viewpoint.
Detailed Explanation: Keeps it neutral and businesslike.
Scenario Example: “Could you provide your opinion on the proposal?”
Best Use: Work-related emails.
Tone: Professional and courteous.
16. What’s your take on this?
Meaning: Ask for informal feedback.
Detailed Explanation: Sounds natural and conversational.
Scenario Example: “What’s your take on the new marketing plan?”
Best Use: Team chats or relaxed work settings.
Tone: Friendly and open.
17. Could you help me decide?
Meaning: Ask for assistance in making a choice.
Detailed Explanation: Collaborative and polite.
Scenario Example: “Could you help me decide which format works better?”
Best Use: Group or mentor discussions.
Tone: Humble and engaging.
18. Any thoughts?
Meaning: Simple and casual way to ask for feedback.
Detailed Explanation: Best for short, conversational communication.
Scenario Example: “Any thoughts on the latest version?”
Best Use: Informal or internal communication.
Tone: Relaxed and friendly.
19. What’s your opinion?
Meaning: Ask for a point of view.
Detailed Explanation: A neutral and clear alternative.
Scenario Example: “What’s your opinion on this approach?”
Best Use: Professional discussions.
Tone: Neutral.
20. Do you have any advice?
Meaning: Ask for guidance.
Detailed Explanation: Simple and polite wording.
Scenario Example: “Do you have any advice before I proceed?”
Best Use: One-on-one or team messages.
Tone: Respectful.
21. I’d appreciate your guidance
Meaning: Request direction politely.
Detailed Explanation: Ideal for showing respect toward superiors.
Scenario Example: “I’d appreciate your guidance on this project.”
Best Use: Workplace hierarchy communication.
Tone: Professional and respectful.
22. I’m open to your suggestions
Meaning: Invite input or new ideas.
Detailed Explanation: Encourages collaboration and creativity.
Scenario Example: “I’m open to your suggestions on improving this report.”
Best Use: Team communication.
Tone: Cooperative.
23. Could you please help me understand
Meaning: Ask for explanation politely.
Detailed Explanation: Useful when you need clarification or learning.
Scenario Example: “Could you please help me understand this requirement?”
Best Use: Educational or work context.
Tone: Polite and humble.
24. Do you mind sharing your insight?
Meaning: Ask for thoughts in a respectful tone.
Detailed Explanation: Softer and polite version of asking for advice.
Scenario Example: “Do you mind sharing your insight on this topic?”
Best Use: Professional or polite exchanges.
Tone: Courteous and warm.
25. Your thoughts would be appreciated
Meaning: Polite, indirect way to request feedback.
Detailed Explanation: Keeps your message formal yet friendly.
Scenario Example: “Your thoughts would be appreciated on this proposal.”
Best Use: Emails to clients or senior colleagues.
Tone: Professional and respectful.
Conclusion
While “please advise” gets the point across, it can sound stiff or overly formal in modern communication. Alternatives like “please let me know,” “could you guide me,” or “I’d appreciate your feedback” help you sound more approachable, natural, and respectful.
Choosing the right phrasing not only improves clarity but also strengthens your professional tone—making your messages more engaging and human.
