Giving Instructions

Give clear, polite, and effective instructions at work using simple patterns. Learn how to use imperative verbs, don’t for negatives, please for politeness, numbers for steps, and transition words like first, then, next, after that, finally. Short, direct sentences make training and onboarding smooth.

Why use imperative verbs for instructions?

Imperative verbs are used to give instructions and commands. They keep steps short and easy to follow, ideal when helping a new colleague or answering a how-to question.

• Use direct actions. “Open your email. Click the Attach icon. Choose the file. Click Send.”
• Keep commands clear. “Do this. Close that. Click here. Wait here.”
• Make negatives with don’t. “Don’t open the file. It’s top secret.”
• Sound polite with please. “Please, don’t open the file.” “Don’t open the file, please.”
• Punctuation with please: add a comma after please at the beginning, and a comma before please at the end.

Which vocabulary and examples should you remember?

Key phrases to model and recycle in your own steps:

• “Open your email.” “Click the Attach icon.” “Choose the file.” “Click Send.”
• “Do this.” “Close that.” “Click here.” “Wait here.”
• “Don’t open the file.” “Please, don’t open the file.” “Don’t open the file, please.”

How to structure steps with numbers and transition words?

Numbers organize tasks in order and prevent confusion. Transition words connect each action smoothly so you can write instructions in a paragraph, not only in bullet points.

• Use numbers for clarity.
  1. Check the Wi‑Fi.
  2. Don’t click the red button.
  3. Turn the router off.
  4. Wait 60 seconds.
  5. Turn it on again.

What do transition words look like in action?

Transition words create flow in a single paragraph:

• “First, open the file. Then, click Print. Next, choose a printer. After that, check the settings. Finally, press OK.”
• Another model for writing a task as a paragraph: “First, choose one task from the list. Then, look up how to do it. Next, in the comment section, add the steps. Finally, share your answer with everyone.”

Helpful keywords to reuse: first, then, next, after that, finally.

What tasks can you practice with today?

Put the pattern into practice. Choose one item and write clear steps using imperatives, negatives with don’t, and polite forms with please.

• Install an app.
• Update an app. This can be any app.
• Change your password.
• Update your profile.
• Share a link.

Write your instructions with numbers or transition words. Share your version in the comments: real examples help everyone learn.