The key idea
Choose the right order, clear action words, and correct verb forms so readers can follow every step.
What is it for?
Learn how to write instructions that help someone complete a task safely and correctly.
What you need to know
- A clear title that names the task.
- A list of the things or tools needed.
- Numbered steps with one main action each.
- Order words that show when to do each action.
- Warnings and extra details when readers need them.
- A final check that confirms the result.
1. Start with the task and the things you need
Tell readers what they will do. Give a short list of the things they need before they start. This helps them prepare everything first. Keep the list separate from the steps.
- Choose a title that names the task.
- List tools, food, or other items before step one.
- Include amounts when they matter.
- Do not hide important items inside later steps.
How to Make Iced Tea
The title tells readers what they will make.
You need tea, water, ice, and a glass.
The list helps readers prepare before they begin.
2. Give one clear action in each step
Use the imperative to tell readers what to do. Start with the main action word. The subject is usually understood, so you do not need to write you. Number the steps when their order matters.
- Use the base form of the verb.
- Put one main action in each numbered step.
- Add amounts, places, or times when needed.
- Avoid steps that contain several confusing actions.
1. Fill the glass with ice.
Fill is the action, and the glass is clear.
2. Pour the tea into the glass.
The reader knows what to pour and where.
3. Show the order and add warnings
Order words help readers follow the steps. Use them when they make the order clearer. Add a warning before a risky action. Use do not or don't to tell readers what to avoid.
- First introduces the first action.
- Next, then, and after that show later actions.
- Finally introduces the last main action.
- Use be careful before an action that needs extra attention.
- Use do not plus the base verb for a warning.
First, boil the water. Next, add the tea.
The order words show which action comes first.
Be careful. Do not touch the hot pan.
The warning tells readers what to avoid.
4. Add details only when they help
Some steps need a time, amount, or extra detail. Include these details near the action. You can use the passive when the result matters more than the person doing the action. Keep the active form when it gives clearer instructions.
- Give exact times and amounts when possible.
- Put time details close to the action they describe.
- Use the passive only when it makes the result clearer.
- Read each step as if you have never done the task.
Bake the bread for 20 minutes.
The active form tells readers what to do.
The bread is baked for 20 minutes.
The passive form focuses on the baking process.
Check that the phone has a strong signal.
This extra detail helps readers check before continuing.
5. Test your instructions
Check whether a new reader can follow every step. Look for missing actions, unclear words, and incorrect verb forms. Ask someone to try the instructions if possible. Fix any step that causes confusion.
- Check that every step has a clear action.
- Make sure the steps are in the right order.
- Check amounts, times, and warnings.
- Remove details that do not help the reader.
Weak: Prepare the drink properly.
Properly does not explain what the reader must do.
Clear: Add one spoon of sugar and stir.
The reader knows the amount and the action.
How to do it, step by step
- Write a short title that names the task.
- List the things or tools needed.
- Number the actions in the order they happen.
- Add order words, times, amounts, and warnings where needed.
- Check that a new reader can follow the steps without guessing.
Formulas and key language
| Use it for | Example | Another example |
|---|---|---|
| How to + base verb | How to Send a Photo | How to Make Iced Tea |
| You need + noun or list | You need a phone and an internet connection. | You need two eggs and some flour. |
| First, + imperative | First, open the app. | First, wash the vegetables. |
| Next, / Then, / After that, + imperative | Next, choose the photo. | After that, add the warm water. |
| Finally, + imperative | Finally, press Send. | Finally, serve the drink with ice. |
| Be careful when + action | Be careful when you pour the hot water. | Be careful when you cross the road. |
| Do not + base verb | Do not close the app yet. | Do not touch the hot tray. |
| Imperative + for + time | Wait for five minutes. | Bake the bread for 20 minutes. |
| The + noun + is + past participle + time | The bread is baked for 20 minutes. | The file is saved automatically. |
UK / US: Some words differ between British and American English. For example, British English often uses 'mobile phone', while American English often uses 'cell phone'. Choose one form and use it consistently.
Level up: Replace basic words (good, very, nice) with stronger ones. See our A2 to B1 upgrades page.
Model text
How to Send a Photo by Phone
Title and things you need
You need a phone, an internet connection, and a photo saved on your device. Check that your phone has enough battery before you start.
The opening names the task and lists what is needed.
Step 1
First, open your messaging app and choose the conversation. Make sure you have selected the correct person before continuing.
The first step gives a clear action and a useful check.
Step 2
Next, tap the attachment symbol and select Photos. Find the picture you want to share, then tap it once. Check the preview to make sure it is the right image.
Order words guide the reader, while details prevent mistakes.
Step 3
After that, add a short message if you need one. Do not include private details that the other person does not need.
This step offers an optional action and a clear warning.
Final step
Finally, tap Send and wait for the message to appear. If the photo does not send, check your internet connection and try again. Make sure the picture appears in the conversation before closing the app.
The ending explains how to finish and check the result.
Common mistakes
✗ First, to open the app.
✓ First, open the app.
Instructions use the base verb, not to plus the verb.
✗ Next, adds the sugar.
✓ Next, add the sugar.
The imperative uses the base verb without -s.
✗ Do not to touch the pan.
✓ Do not touch the pan.
Do not is followed directly by the base verb.
✗ Then, pour it. Then, stir it. Then, serve it.
✓ Then, pour it. After that, stir it. Finally, serve it.
Using different order words makes the sequence easier to follow.
✗ Bake the bread in 20 minutes.
✓ Bake the bread for 20 minutes.
Use for to give the length of an action.
✗ Press Send, but first open the app.
✓ First, open the app. Then, press Send.
Put actions in the order the reader must do them.
Plan it, then check it
Plan
- Name the task and decide who will read the instructions.
- List everything the reader needs before starting.
- Write the actions in the order they must happen.
- Add useful times, amounts, warnings, and checks.
Check
- Does the title explain the task?
- Can the reader understand each action?
- Are the steps numbered and in the correct order?
- Are the verb forms, amounts, and warnings correct?
- Can someone new complete the task without guessing?
Practice
Choose the clearest instruction
Choose the sentence that gives the clearest action.
1.You want someone to start a phone app.
Open gives a direct action, and on your phone adds a clear detail.
2.You want someone to add two eggs.
The imperative gives a clear action and an exact amount.
3.You want someone to wait for five minutes.
The instruction gives an exact time and says when to continue.
4.You want someone to avoid a hot pan.
Do not is followed by the base verb touch.
5.You want someone to check a photo before sending it.
The instruction clearly states what to check and when.
6.You want someone to finish making a drink.
Finally shows the last step, and serve uses the imperative form.
Put the instructions in order
Put all the words in the correct order. Add the capital letter and punctuation.
1.Put the words in order:
theopenfirstapp
Start with the order word, then the action.
2.Put the words in order:
addthetheeggstobowltwonext
Start with the order word, then the action.
3.Put the words in order:
minutesfiveforwait
Start with the order word, then the action.
4.Put the words in order:
mixturethatstirtheafter
Start with the order word, then the action.
5.Put the words in order:
savefinallyfilethe
Start with the order word, then the action.
Complete each instruction
Write the one word that completes each instruction.
1., open the app before choosing a photo.
First shows that opening the app is the starting action.
2.Next, (add) the sugar to the tea.
An imperative uses the base form of the verb.
3.Do not (touch) the hot tray.
Do not is followed by the base form of the verb.
4.Bake the bread 20 minutes.
For introduces the length of time an action takes.
5.After that, (stir) the mixture slowly.
The imperative uses stir, not stirs or to stir.
6., check that the message has arrived.
Finally introduces the last step or check.
Fix one mistake
Correct the one mistake in each instruction.
1.First, opens the app.
An imperative uses the base verb open without -s.
2.Do not to press Send yet.
Do not is followed directly by the base verb.
3.Bake the bread during 20 minutes.
For is used to state how long an action takes.
4.Next, adds one spoon of sugar.
The imperative uses add rather than adds.
5.Finally stir the mixture.
A comma follows the introductory order word finally.
Now write
Your task
Write 100-140 words of instructions for a task you can do well. Choose how to make a drink, send a photo, or find a bus. Use this example plan: Title: How to Send a Photo. You need a phone, an internet connection, and a saved photo. First, open the messaging app. Next, choose a conversation. After that, select the photo and check the preview. Finally, tap Send and check that the photo arrived. Use this plan as a starting point, but write your own complete instructions. Include a title, a list of things needed, numbered steps, order words, and one useful warning or final check. Explain each action clearly enough for a new reader.
Word bank
firstnextthenafter thatfinallyyou needopenselectpressaddbe carefuldo notcheckbeforefor five minutes
Sentence starters
- How to ...
- You need ...
- First, ...
- Next, ...
- Be careful when ...
- Finally, check that ...