INDEX:
1. information about how to do something or about what to do
RELATED WORDS
tell or order someone to do something : ↑ TELL
see also
↑ EXPLAIN
↑ TELL
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1. information about how to do something or about what to do
▷ instructions /ɪnˈstrʌkʃ ə nz/ [plural noun]
written or spoken information telling someone what to do or how something should be done :
▪ I can’t get the computer to work and I’ve lost the instructions.
give/leave (somebody) instructions
▪ As the teacher, it’s your job to give clear instructions to the children.
instructions for
▪ Mum was going to work, so she left me some instructions for supper.
▪ The President issued instructions for the continuance of the attack.
follow/carry out (somebody’s) instructions
do what the instructions tell you
▪ I’ve followed the instructions, but the machine still isn’t working.
▪ Mr Evans claimed that the solicitor had failed to carry out his mother’s instructions.
read the instructions
▪ Before you take any medicine, always read the instructions on the bottle.
instructions about/on
▪ It’s extraordinary that the equipment doesn’t come with instructions on how to use it.
▪ His grandfather had left no instructions about what to do with his paintings.
▷ directions /dɪˈrekʃ ə nz, dəˈrekʃ ə nz, daɪ-/ [plural noun]
a set of instructions, especially written ones, on how to do or use something :
directions on
▪ For detailed directions on installing the software, see page 18.
give (somebody) directions/give directions to somebody
▪ The judge has the power to give appropriate directions to the jury before they consider their verdict.
follow directions
▪ These worksheets are designed to teach children how to solve problems and follow directions.
▷ guidelines /ˈgaɪdlaɪnz/ [plural noun]
official instructions about the best way to do something, especially something that could be difficult or dangerous :
▪ Lauder urged the company to develop a set of guidelines that address sexual harassment in the workplace.
follow guidelines
▪ Air travelers can have stress-free trips if they follow a few simple guidelines.
issue/publish/lay down etc guidelines
▪ Medical staff have been issued with new guidelines for working with HIV patients.
▪ The Ministry of Education has laid down strict guidelines as to the administration of the tests.
guidelines on
▪ New guidelines on how to move dangerous chemicals by road have just been published.
▷ brief /briːf/ [singular noun]
instructions that are given to someone about what their duties and responsibilities are in a job :
▪ The brief given to the students was quite straightforward.
somebody’s brief is to do something
▪ The committee’s brief is to investigate and report on domestic violence in the region.
▪ The architect’s brief was to design an extension which would harmonize as much as possible with the existing building.
be part of somebody’s brief
▪ Dealing with financial matters is not part of my brief.
▷ recipe /ˈresɪpi, ˈresəpi/ [countable noun]
instructions on how to make a particular kind of food :
▪ This soup is really good - you must give me the recipe.
recipe for
▪ I’ve found a really great recipe for barbecue sauce.
have the recipe
▪ My Mum has the recipe for a really delicious prawn curry.
▷ manual /ˈmænjuəl/ [countable noun]
a book that contains detailed instructions on how to operate a piece of equipment or machinery, or on how to do a job or activity :
▪ Before you try to use the camera, read the manual carefully.
▪ a computer manual
instruction manual
▪ The instruction manuals that accompany new computer software are often difficult to understand.
training manual
▪ a training manual for teachers
manual on
▪ Leach has written many popular manuals on childcare.
owner’s manual/user’s manual
one which shows you how to use your car, piece of equipment etc
▪ Consult your owner’s manual for information on what oil to use and how often it should be changed.
▷ guide /gaɪd/ [countable noun]
a book containing instructions and advice, that helps you do an activity or job properly, or to make the right choice about something :
▪ This simple guide is essential if you are thinking of taking up hill walking.
▪ the Good Schools Guide
guide to (doing) something
▪ The book is an extremely useful guide to starting your own business.
▪ a free guide to financial planning
guide for
▪ A guide for hospital staff will be published shortly, covering everything from simple hygiene to security regulations.
▷ handbook /ˈhændbʊk/ [countable noun]
a book containing information and advice on a subject or product, produced by someone who knows a lot about it :
▪ There are all kinds of health and fitness handbooks on the market these days.
▪ The students’ handbook gives information on how to find accommodation.
handbook for
▪ a useful handbook for managers
handbook on
▪ a handbook on basic psychology
▷ cookbook also recipe book British /ˈkʊkbʊk, ˈresə̇pi bʊk/ [countable noun]
a book that has instructions about how to cook different kinds of food :
▪ There are an increasing number of recipe books with ideas for healthy meals that can be prepared quickly and easily.
▪ an Indian recipe book
cookbook of
▪ an illustrated cookbook of Mexican recipes