15 Examples of How to Give Instructions in English

English instructions

There are different ways to give instructions in English:

Imperative in English: It is formed simply with the infinitive of the verb without "to". Each verb has a unique imperative form, which is used for both the second person singular and the second person plural. The negation of the imperative of form by putting “do not” or “don’t” before the verb in the infinitive.

Example:

1. Turn off the lights when you leave. / Turn off lights when leaving.

Present time: Another way to give instructions is to describe actions in the present tense. Verbs can be used in the second person singular (you / tú) or the first person plural (we / Nosotros). This last option is usually observed for example in cooking shows.

Examples:

1. When the pie is ready, you let it cool for half an hour. / When the cake is ready, you let it cool for half an hour.
2. Once the eggs are boiled, we cut them in pieces. / Once the eggs are boiled, we cut them into parts.

Modal verbs

Some modal verbs can be used as an imperative form. For example:

1. You dog tie the two pieces together with a rope. / You can tie the two parts with a rope.
2. You have to turn right and continue for two kilometers. / You have to turn right and continue for two kilometers.
3. You must make sure the surfaces are clean and dry. / You must make sure that the surfaces are clean and dry.

It is important to note that in Spanish we use the infinitive to give instructions, but it is not used to give instructions in English.

More in: Modal verbs in English.

Vocabulary to give instructions

To give instructions for something that must be done in stages, it is important to have the right vocabulary to indicate each step to follow:

First: First

1. First peal the tomatoes and extract the seeds. / First peel the tomatoes and extract the seeds.

Then: then

1. Then cut them in small pieces. / Then cut them into small pieces.

Next: then

1. Next mix the pepper with the salt and add it to the tomatoes. / Then mix the pepper with the salt and add it to the tomatoes.

After that: after that

1. After that beat the eggs and put them on a hot pan. / After that beat the eggs and put them in a hot pan.

When: "when". Used to signal a necessary condition

1. When the eggs start to cook on the borders, add the pieces of cheese and let it melt. / When the eggs start to cook around the edges, add the pieces of cheese and let it melt.

At last: in the end

1. At last fold the omelet in half, with the cheese inside, and serve with the tomatoes on the side. / At the end, fold the omelet in half, with the cheese inside, and serve it with the tomatoes as a garnish.

Examples of instructions in English

1. Make sure that all the cables and properly connected. Then plug in the smart television and turn it on. You will see a screen that will ask you if you want to start the set up. Press "yes". Choose "internet settings" and enter you username and password.

Make sure the cables are properly connected. Then plug in the smart TV and turn it on. You will see a screen asking if you want to start the setup. Press "yes". Choose "internet settings" and enter your username and password.

1. Take the highway until exit 22. When you leave the highway, turn left on the first street and continue until you get to the avenue. Turn right on the avenue and continue for two blocks where you will find the gas station.

Take the highway to exit 22. When you leave the highway, turn left at the first street and continue until you reach the avenue. Turn right on the avenue and continue for two streets until you find the service station.

1. First you must clean the wound with soap and completely rinse with running water. Then disinfect it with alcohol. Once the wound is clean, apply the ointment generously and let it dry. When the ointment is dry, cover with a bandage.

You should first clean the wound with soap and rinse it thoroughly under running water. Then disinfect it with alcohol. Once the wound is clean, apply the ointment generously and let it dry. When the ointment is dry, cover it with a bandage.

Andrea is a language teacher, and in her instagram account She offers private lessons by video call so you can learn to speak English.