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Grammar - Giving Instructions

Use the imperative form when giving instructions. The imperative is also very common in written instructions. Be careful when you use the imperative as it is often considered impolite in English. If someone asks you for instructions, use the imperative. If, on the other hand, you would like to request that someone do something use a polite question form.

There is only one imperative form for both 'you' singular and plural.

Examples:

Can you tell me how to get to the bookkeeping department?
Certainly, take the first left, go straight along the corridor and the bookkeeping department is on the left.

Can you pick me up tonight at six? (NOT: Pick me up at six)

Positive

Verb (not conjugated) + Objects

Take the first street on the right.
Insert the date into the appropriate field.

Negative

Do + Not + Verb (not conjugated) + Objects

Do not publish the balance sheet before the director approves it.
Don't use Excel, use Access for this calculation.

Giving Directions

Here are common phrases used when giving directions.

Take the first left / right
bus to...
train to...
subway to...
tube to...

Turn left / right at...

Go straight on (US English: straight ahead)
past...
along...Street / Road / Avenue.

It's next to...
near to...
opposite...
between...
on the left / right of...

These common phrases are used when speaking about office work

Use Excel
Access
Word
this phone

Insert the data
the information
the figures
the numbers

Call his office
the secretary

Send him a letter
an e-mail

Write this up
this down
down these numbers

Dealing with Red Tape

What is 'red tape'? Red tape is beaurocratic complication! There is a lot of red tape involved in running a business. First of all whenever you go along to a shipper you find that there are a number of documents. For example, there is the bill of exchange, the bill of lading, bulky goods, containers and half containers. All of these delivery terms need to be understood to ensure proper delivery. There is always an incredible amount of paperwork that you fill out, file and save a copy of on your computer.

Giving Directions

Use the phrases below to complete the short dialogue. Highlight the gaps to see the answer.

change
Get off
opposite
straight on
take this down
taking the Tube

Jack: Linda, do you know how to get to Hansons Ltd.? I've never been there before.
Janice: Are you driving or taking the Tube?

Jack: The Tube.
Janice: Right. Take the Red Line from Portsmouth and change to the Grey Line at Piccadilly Circus. Get off at Charring Street.

Jack: Just a moment, let me take this down!
Janice: Take the Red Line from Portsmouth and change to the Grey Line at Piccadilly Circus. Get off at Charring Street. Got it?

Jack: Yes, thanks. Now, once I get to Charring Street, how do I proceed?
Janice: Once you are on Charring Street, Go straight on, past the Pub. Take the second left and continue straight on. It's opposite the Post.

Key Vocabulary

annual income
ATM - Automated Teller Machine
bill of exchange
bill of lading
bulky goods
to check your balance
complete
country of origin
to depost money
divorced
employment status
get off
to insert
marital status
past
PIN - Personal Identification Number
present address
proceed
receipt
red line
red tape
retired
slot
straight on
transaction
to transfer
tube
widowed
to withdraw money
withdrawal
to write something up

Using an ATM

Listen to this man giving directions to his colleague.

Quiz

This exercise checks your understanding of materials found on this page, as well as the listening comprehension.

Lingofeeds Practice Pages

These pages are available for practice while Lingofeeds builds out its beta professional English course.

Gerund or Infinitive Forms - Marketing and Business
Giving Instructions - Banking and Shipping
Future Forms - Telecommunications
Daily Routines - Commerce
Expressing Agreement - Information Technology
Clauses - Production and Manufacturing
Passive Voice - Marketing
Reported Speech - Presentations

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