Goal
You’ll be able to understand and give clear instructions, including the specific sequencing language that makes multi-step instructions genuinely easy to follow.
Learn
Giving clear instructions typically uses imperative verbs (command form, no subject) combined with genuine sequencing words that mark order:
First, turn on the computer. Then, open the application. Next, click on "Settings." Finally, save your changes.
Common sequencing words: first, then, next, after that, finally. These genuinely matter for clarity — without them, a list of steps can become ambiguous about actual order, especially in written instructions where tone of voice can’t help clarify sequence.
A genuinely useful related skill: giving conditional instructions for different scenarios: If the screen freezes, restart the computer. — using if to handle a specific situation that might or might not occur, rather than assuming a single, always-identical sequence.
Decision Task
You are writing instructions with four separate steps, and want to make the order genuinely clear to someone reading them. Before reading on: what kind of words should you use to mark this order?
Show Answer
Sequencing words like first, then, next, finally — these explicitly mark the order of steps, removing any ambiguity about which action comes before another, especially important in written instructions where tone of voice can’t help clarify sequence the way it might in speech.
Common Mistake
Listing multiple instruction steps without any sequencing words connecting them, assuming the order is obvious from context alone. Without words like first, then, next, finally, written instructions especially can become genuinely ambiguous about actual required order.
Practice Questions
1. Write a two-step instruction sequence using “first” and “then”.
Show Answer
Any correct example, e.g. First, open the box. Then, remove the device.
2. What does the sequencing word finally typically mark?
Show Answer
The last step in a sequence.
3. Write a conditional instruction using “if” for an unexpected situation.
Show Answer
Any correct example, e.g. If the light turns red, stop the machine.
4. Why do sequencing words matter more in written instructions than in some spoken conversation?
Show Answer
Written text lacks tone of voice and pacing that might otherwise help clarify sequence; explicit sequencing words remove genuine ambiguity about order.
5. Name three sequencing words used in giving instructions.
Show Answer
Any three of: first, then, next, after that, finally.
Try It Yourself
Without looking back, write a complete four-step instruction sequence (choosing your own simple task) using at least three different sequencing words.
Show Answer
Any correct example following the pattern, e.g. First, wash the vegetables. Then, cut them into pieces. Next, heat the oil. Finally, add the vegetables to the pan.
Quick Check
1. What verb form is typically used to give instructions?
Show Answer
Imperative (command form, no subject).
2. Name two sequencing words used in instructions.
Show Answer
Any two of: first, then, next, after that, finally.
3. Why do sequencing words matter for clarity?
Show Answer
They remove ambiguity about the actual required order of steps.
4. What word introduces a conditional instruction for an unexpected situation?
Show Answer
If
5. What does finally typically mark in a sequence?
Show Answer
The last step.