Council vs. Counsel: Understanding the Difference

Last updated on September 18, 2024 by Liam Daniel

If there’s one thing that the English language has plenty of, it’s confusing words. Some look exactly the same but are pronounced differently, some sound the same but mean completely different things, yet some seem to have nothing in common but actually have the same meaning. One of the pairs that are troubling many English speakers is counsel vs. council. As these two are spelled and sounding almost alike, they are often misused. Read on to find out what is the difference between council vs. counsel.

Council vs. Counsel: What Is the Key Difference?

Quick Tips:

  • Use “council” when referring to a governing or decision-making body.
  • Use “counsel” when referring to advice or legal guidance, or the act of giving advice.
Council vs. Counsel
Council vs. Counsel – Created by 7ESL

Council vs. Counsel | Definition, Usage 

Council:

  • Meaning: Refers to a group of people who come together to make decisions, provide advice, or govern.
  • Use: Used as a noun to describe a group or assembly, often associated with government or administration.
  • Examples:
    • “The city council will meet to discuss the new policy.”
    • “She was elected to the student council.”
  • Explanation: “Council” is always used to refer to a decision-making or advisory body.

Counsel:

  • Meaning: Refers to advice, especially legal advice, or the act of giving guidance. It can also refer to a lawyer or legal advisor.
  • Use: Used as both a noun (meaning advice or a legal advisor) and a verb (to give advice).
  • Examples:
    • Noun: “She sought legal counsel before signing the contract.”
    • Verb: “The therapist will counsel the patient.”
  • Explanation: “Counsel” can mean either advice, the act of advising, or a legal advisor, particularly in formal or legal contexts.

Common Mistakes with “Council” vs. “Counsel”

Using “council” instead of “counsel” for advice:

  • Incorrect: “She offered her council on the matter.”
  • Correct: “She offered her counsel on the matter.”
  • Explanation: “Counsel” is the correct word when referring to advice or guidance.

Using “counsel” instead of “council” for a governing body:

  • Incorrect: “The student counsel organized the event.”
  • Correct: “The student council organized the event.”
  • Explanation: “Council” refers to a group or assembly, not advice.

Council vs. Counsel Examples

Council Examples 

  • The council tax replaces the poll tax next April.
  • The council seems likely to overspend this year.
  • I received £500 from the local council in recompense for the damage to my garden.
  • The council must make economies to meet government spending targets.
  • The party is expecting to gain control of the council in the next election.

Counsel Examples

  • He is there to give you counsel on all matters.
  • He assisted me with good counsel and encouragement.
  • I was grateful for her wise counsel.
  • Therapists were brought in to counsel the bereaved.
  • I would counsel you to say nothing about the affair.

Practices 

Fill in the blanks 

  1. The city __________ is meeting to discuss the new zoning laws.
  2. She sought the __________ of her attorney before signing the contract.
  3. The student __________ provides a voice for pupils in school decision-making.
  4. After careful deliberation, he decided to follow his lawyer’s __________.
  5. The United Nations Security __________ convened to address the international crisis.
  6. As a mentor, he offered __________ to younger colleagues starting their careers.
  7. The local housing __________ is responsible for managing public housing estates.
  8. They received marriage __________ before their wedding day.
  9. The __________ of Elders has been a part of the community’s tradition for centuries.
  10. Good legal __________ can be invaluable during complex negotiations.

Answer and Explanation 

  1. Answer: council
    • Explanation: “Council” is a noun referring to a group that comes together to make decisions or laws.
  2. Answer: counsel
    • Explanation: “Counsel” is a noun meaning advice or guidance, particularly from someone with expertise like an attorney.
  3. Answer: council
    • Explanation: “Council” refers to a body or group that represents others, in this case, students.
  4. Answer: counsel
    • Explanation: “Counsel” as a noun means advice, especially legal advice given by a lawyer.
  5. Answer: Council
    • Explanation: “Council” is a noun referring to an authoritative or governing body, in this case, a part of the United Nations.
  6. Answer: counsel
    • Explanation: “Counsel” as a noun means guidance or advice given to someone.
  7. Answer: council
    • Explanation: “Council” refers to an administrative body in charge of certain public services or areas.
  8. Answer: counsel
    • Explanation: “Counsel” means professional guidance in personal or psychological matters.
  9. Answer: Council
    • Explanation: “Council” refers to a group of people who come together to advise or make decisions.
  10. Answer: counsel
    • Explanation: “Counsel” as a noun refers to advice given, particularly in a legal context.
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