What are the rules that are to be followed while giving instructions?
How to form
- We use the imperative (or the command) form to give orders or directions in English. We can use the imperative form to advise and to warn. Adding the word “Please” makes the order polite. “Eat the vegetables!” “Switch off the fan and lights when you leave the room.” “Do not make noise.” “Complete your homework before going to bed.” “Do not speak with your mouth full of food.” “Turn left and go straight on.”
- To make the imperative, use the infinitive of the verb (to go/ to come/ to walk/ to clean) without ‘to’: “Practise singing for at least an hour every day.” “Be careful.” “Please take a seat.”
- To make a negative imperative, put “do not” or “don’t” before the verb. (Don’t is more informal than “do not”.) “Don’t go!” “Do not walk on the grass.”
Where to use orders
You often see the imperative form in instruction manuals or when someone tells you how to do something.
A recipe book is written in imperative sentences. There are often “sequencing” words to show the steps in the process. For example. “firstly”, “secondly”, “next” and “finally”.
You can also say “after that” instead of “then”, and “first”/ “second” instead of “firstly” and “secondly”.
Example: Simple instructions to plant a tree.
First, choose a healthy sapling.
Then choose a spot that doesn’t have too much shade.
Next, dig a hole measuring one foot by one foot – see that the hole is two-feet in depth.
After that, fill the hole nearly to the top with a layer of small gravel, sand, mud + compost – in that order.
Then gently place the sapling in the middle of the hole. And the, press the mud on the sides to ensure that the sapling stays finally in the spot.
Finally, spray water around the root gently with a water can.
Which verbs to choose
Verbs plays an important role while giving instructions. It is very important to choose the correct verbs when you give advice/ instructions/ directions. This helps to remove doubts and confusion in what you want to convey.
Examples:
Turn on /switch on… “First, turn on the computer.”
Turn off / switch off… “Turn off the lights when you leave.”
Take off / remove… “Take off / Remove your shoes before you enter the house.”
Take out… “Take the dirty clothes out of the box and put them in the washing machine.”
Attach / connect… “Connect the wires.”
Check / make sure… “Check that the pockets are empty before you put your jeans in the washing machine.”
Proceed / continue… “Continue to stir until the mixture is thick.”
Plug in… “Plug the modem in.”
Put back / replace… “Replace the lid after taking out the jam.”
How to improve the method
When you give instructions you can help the listener with extra information and advice.
Try adding the phrases given below in bold to make your instructions effective.
Remember to… wear garden gloves when you dig with a sharp implement.
Be careful not to… pour too much water.
Try not to… pull the sapling every day to see if it is glowing.
You need to… place a tree guard to protect the sapling.
It’s important to… see that the sapling gets adequate amounts of sunshine.
It helps to… take the advice of a gardener in the choice of the plant you want.
Be sure to… inform people around you that you have planted a sapling.
Always… choose a tree that grows strong roots.
Never… plant a coconut tree in a street.
Checklist for writing instructions
Keep in mind the following points
- Use short sentences and short paragraphs.
- Arrange your points in logical order.
- Make your statements specific.
- Use imperative sentences.
- Put the most important item in each sentence at the beginning.
- Say one thing in each sentence.
- Choose your words carefully. Write in direct, simple words.
- Read, follow your instructions to carry out the work (try out the recipe). Are your instructions working?
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