Have a go — before we start, think about instructions you hear every day: on a bus, in a shop, from a teacher. Can you remember one example, even in your own language first?
You already use one instruction pattern without thinking. Complete it:
A recorded voice on the phone says: "To continue in English, 1."
Have a go out loud: think of two instructions you hear often — on public transport, at a gym, in a shop. Say them now, in English if you can.
Tourist: Excuse me — how do I get to the pharmacy from here?
Local: Easy. Walk straight down this street, then turn left at the traffic lights. Don't cross at the market — use the crossing by the bank, it's safer.
Look again at what the local says. There's no "you" anywhere — not "you walk", not "you turn". Why do you think instructions in English drop the subject? Say your idea out loud before you check.
For telling someone what to do — directions, recipes, everyday steps.
Three instructions you might hear this week:
Before you check: what do you notice about the first word of each one — and what's missing?
The extra words ("you need to") disappear. Just the verb, then the instruction.
Type only the missing verb.
1. A tourist asks how to get to the station.
You say: " straight on until you reach the roundabout, then it's on your right."
2. Tell a friend how to make tea.
" the kettle, then pour the water over the tea bag."
3. An office form needs a name at the top.
" your full name at the top of the form."
Think of somewhere near you right now — a shop, a station, a café. Say three instructions for getting there, starting each one with the verb: "Go...", "Turn...", "Take..."
For telling someone NOT to do something — warnings, rules, safety.
Three warnings you might hear:
What's added to the front of the verb this time? Say it before you check.
Just add "don't" in front. The verb after it stays exactly the same — base form.
1. A lifeguard warns swimmers about the wet floor.
" run around the pool — the floor is wet and slippery."
2. You're babysitting and the stove is on.
" the stove — it's very hot."
3. A child is leaning out of a moving car window.
" out of the window while the car is moving!"
Think of a place with rules — a swimming pool, a museum, a library. Say three warnings you might see or hear there, starting with "Don't...".
For softening an instruction, or reassuring someone.
Where can "please" go? And what does the last sentence do that's a bit different from a warning?
1. You want someone to speak more quietly in the library.
" speak more quietly — people are trying to read."
2. A passenger politely asks the taxi driver to stop.
Make it polite by adding "please" (front or end) to: "Stop here."
3. A friend is nervous about a driving test tomorrow.
Reassure them: " — you'll pass easily!"
Say three polite requests using "please" (front or end position) to people around you today, then one sentence reassuring someone with "Don't worry...".
Time to use everything together in one real situation. Over to you.
Think of a short journey you know well — from your home to a shop, a station, a friend's house, or your workplace. (If nothing comes to mind, invent one.)
Give the directions out loud for one minute. Try to include:
Write a short set of instructions (3–5 sentences) — directions, a recipe, or a house/class rule list. Use at least one positive imperative, one negative imperative (don't / do not), and please somewhere to soften an instruction. The checker will tell you which ones it finds.
Real life doesn't tell you which form to use. Here everything is mixed — you decide.
Each sentence has one grammar mistake. Rewrite the whole sentence correctly.
1. "Turning left at the next corner."
2. "No touch the wet paint."
3. "Please to wait here for a moment."
4. "Don't worrying, the train is coming."
5. A sign in the park says: "___ off the grass!"
6. A friend is nervous before an interview. You say:
7. Asking politely on a crowded bus:
One-minute challenge: explain the rules of a place you know well — a classroom, a kitchen, a gym. Give positive instructions, at least one warning, and soften one with please. Use the timer above if you like the pressure.
1. Complete the present simple form: "He usually up at seven every morning." (get)
2. Say it out loud: how do you make a yes/no question in the present simple with "you"? Give one example.
3. Your friend is about to turn the wrong way at a junction, and the street ahead is closed.
Warn them: " left here — the street's closed."
4. You're teaching a child to cross the road safely.
" both ways before you cross."
5. A guest arrives at your door.
Welcome them politely: " in and make yourself at home."
Which practice helped you most today — fixing the mistakes, choosing the right form, or the speaking tasks? Say why you think that one worked for you.
At the start we said: positive instructions, negative instructions, and softening with please — so you can give directions, explain steps, warn someone, and reassure them. Tick what's true:
Next lesson: Can & Can't: What Are You Able to Do?