Adopted and adoptive

These words are often confused. The word adopted pertains to the person who has been adopted. Your adopted daughter is the girl you have adopted.

Emily loves her adopted daughter very much.

Both of their children are adopted.

The word adoptive pertains to the person who has adopted. Your adoptive parents are the people who adopted you.

Mary loves her adoptive parents very much. (NOT Mary loves her adopted parents very much. Mary didn’t adopt them; they adopted her.)

Your adopted country is the country you choose to live in and not the one you were born in.

He was born in Singapore, but Canada is his adopted country.

The word adoptive is also possible in this case, but adopted is more common.

Adoption is the legal act of placing a child with parents who are not his/her natural parents.

Advice and Advise

Advice is a noun. Advise is a verb. These words are often confused.

Examples:

I am tired of listening to advice.

If you had listened to my advice, you wouldn’t have landed in trouble.

I advised him to be careful. (NOT I adviced him to be careful.)

You should have advised him about the consequences of his action.

Complete the following sentences.

1. Sarah has always had problems with her ………………….. parents. (adopted / adoptive)

2. Your ……………………. child has a legal right to your property. (adopted / adoptive)

3. Let me give you some ………………… (advice / advise)

4. I would ………………….. you to choose this company.

Answers

1. adoptive; 2. adopted; 3. advice; 4. advise