instructions
instructions — noun
1. written or spoken steps that show someone how to use something or complete a tas
written or spoken steps that show someone how to use something or complete a task in the right way.
Roya followed the cake instructions and set the oven to 180 degrees.
follow instructions to complete a task
The box includes picture instructions for building the wooden shelf.
instructions for + task
Lan read the washing instructions before putting the sweater in the machine.
Andrew kept the printer instructions in case he needed help later.
- directions
very close in meaning, especially for practical steps on labels or forms
- manual
usually a longer book or booklet, not just the steps themselves
- guide
broader; can include advice and background, not only exact steps
文法句型
follow instructions
instructions for + task
instructions on + label/package
用法筆記
Usually plural when you mean the full set of steps for using a product or doing a task. Common with verbs like follow, read, keep, print, and include.
常見錯誤
2. commands from someone in authority that tell a person what action they must take
commands from someone in authority that tell a person what action they must take.
The pilot waited for instructions from the tower during the thick fog.
instructions from + authority
Vivek carried out the manager's instructions before the store opened.
carry out instructions
The police officer shouted instructions as people moved away from the fire.
Nala ignored her coach's instructions and ran too fast at the start.
- orders
stronger and more military or official in tone
- commands
often sounds stricter and more immediate
- directives
more formal, often used in business or government contexts
文法句型
instructions from + authority
give instructions
carry out instructions
用法筆記
This sense is about orders that are meant to be obeyed, not neutral help on how to use something. It is common with bosses, officers, coaches, and control rooms.
常見錯誤
3. pieces of program code that make a computer or other machine carry out specific
pieces of program code that make a computer or other machine carry out specific actions.
The chip can handle billions of instructions every second.
computing measure: instructions per second
A bug in one line of instructions shut down the ticket machine.
line of instructions in a program
Theo wrote a few extra instructions so the robot would turn left.
The phone froze because the processor kept repeating the same instructions.
- commands
close in meaning, especially when one action is being issued to a system
- code
broader; can refer to the whole written program, not one machine step
- operations
names the actions performed, not always the coded command itself
文法句型
execute instructions
machine instructions
instructions per second
用法筆記
This technical sense is about coded commands inside a program or processor, not directions for a human reader. It often appears in discussions of chips, robots, and software performance.