Giving instructions

Instructions can be given in many ways. A list with the imperative form of the verb and
words such as "first, "then, "next" is one common way. Continuous text using the
present tense form of the verb with you and should is another common way. Make sure
you distinguish between giving instructions - that is, telling someone how to do
something - and describing a process - that is describing how something happens.
Language
Sequence

Sequence, or order, is important in giving instructions. The table blow shows some common
expressions used.
Firstly,

The first step is

First of all,

The first stage is

To begin with,

. begins with

Initially

. commences with

Beforehand,

Before this,

Previously,

Prior to this,

Earlier,

At the same time,

During

Simultaneously,

When this happens

While

Secondly, Thirdly etc After this,

Next,

The next step is

Then,

In the next stage,

Subsequently,

In the following stage,

Later,

Following this,

As soon as the committee has finished its work, .

Eventually,

. until .

Lastly

. finishes with .

Finally,

concludes with

In the last stage,

The last step is .

Manner - how something is done

in such a way that...

slowly, carefully, etc
with care/precision
in a careful way/manner
Purpose - why something is done

so as to .
so as not to .
so that .
in order to .
in order not to .

Enumerating/Listing
The lecturer will often be explicit about the order in which new points will be mentioned. To make
the order clear we use various links and connectives.
Firs
tly
Sec
ond
ly
Nex
t
The
n
Thir
dly
Last
ly
Fin
ally
Firs
t of

all
In
the
first
plac
e
For
one
thin
g
To
begi
n
wit
h
In
the
sec
ond
plac
e
For
anot
her
thin
g
first
second
The
point I'd like to make is
next
last