Giving Instructions

A2 · ElementaryImperatives

First, boil the water. Then, add the pasta. Multi-step instructions chain imperatives together with words that show the order of steps.

What you'll learn

Multi-step instructions keep using the plain imperative (base verb, no subject) for every step
Sequencing words — first, then, next, after that, finally — show the order the steps happen in
'Before you begin' and 'once you've...' can frame a step relative to another one
Each step is usually its own short sentence, marked off with a comma after the sequencing word

Chaining imperatives together

When you give more than one instruction in a row — a recipe, directions, a set of steps — each individual step is still a plain imperative. What changes is that sequencing words are added to show the order.

"First, boil the water."

"Then, add the pasta."

The sequencing words

First (or 'to begin') opens the sequence; then, next, and after that continue it; finally closes it. They're usually followed by a comma before the instruction.

"Next, turn left at the light."

"Finally, serve it hot."

Framing one step against another

'Before you...' and 'Once you've...' let you connect a step directly to another one, instead of just listing them in order.

"Before you begin, read all the instructions."

"Once you've mixed it, pour it into the pan."

Real English

"First, wash your hands."

"Then, add the salt."

"Next, fold the paper in half."

"Finally, turn off the stove."

Watch out

✗First, boiling the water.

✓First, boil the water.

Each step is still a plain imperative — the base verb, not the -ing form.

✗Then, you add the salt.

✓Then, add the salt.

Adding a subject turns the step into a statement — instructions keep the subject dropped, like any imperative.

✗Boil the water. Add the pasta. Drain it.

✓First, boil the water. Then, add the pasta. Finally, drain it.

A string of bare imperatives with no sequencing words is harder to follow — sequencing words make the order of steps explicit.

Real life — Explaining a recipe

"How do you make it?"

"First, boil the water and add the pasta. Then, let it cook for ten minutes."

"And after that?"

"After that, drain it and stir in the sauce. Finally, serve it hot."

Practice

Exercise 1 · Choose the correct instruction sequence

Choose the correct instruction sequence.

Exercise 2 · Choose the correct instruction

Choose the correct instruction.

Exercise 3 · Choose the correct instruction

Choose the correct instruction.

Exercise 4 · Choose the correct instruction

Choose the correct instruction.

Exercise 5 · Choose the correct instruction

Choose the correct instruction.

Exercise 6 · Choose the correct instruction

Choose the correct instruction.

Exercise 7 · Choose the correct instruction

Choose the correct instruction.

Exercise 8 · Choose the correct instruction

Choose the correct instruction.

Exercise 9 · Turn into an instruction

Turn into an instruction using 'First,': 'You need to turn off the power.'

Exercise 10 · Turn into an instruction

Turn into an instruction using 'Finally,': 'You need to save your work.'

Exercise 11 · Sort into groups

First,

To begin,

Then,

Next,

After that,

Finally,

0 / 6 sorted

Quick challenge

Five quick questions to check what stuck.

Question 1 / 5

Score: 0/0

Choose the correct instruction.

You learned

Multi-step instructions keep using the plain imperative for every step.
Sequencing words (first, then, next, after that, finally) show the order of the steps.
'Before you...' and 'Once you've...' frame a step relative to another one.
Each step is usually its own short sentence, with a comma after the sequencing word.

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