advise vs tell

[Crisy]

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #158 "Airport and flight travel expressions", question 7

Passengers are strongly ......... not to check in valuable and fragile items as baggage.

(a) advised
(b) informed
(c) told
(d) reminded

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #158 "Airport and flight travel expressions", answer 7

Passengers are strongly advised not to check in valuable and fragile items as baggage.

Correct answer: (a) advised

Your answer was: incorrect
Passengers are strongly told not to check in valuable and fragile items as baggage.
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why not told?

thanks
Crisy

[Alan]

Hi,

'Told' doesn't fit with 'strongly'. You either tell someone to do something or you don't. There are no 'grades' of 'telling'. 'Advise' and 'recommend' can be qualified.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
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