give instructions for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "give instructions for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that someone should provide guidance or directions regarding a specific task or subject. Example: "Please give instructions for how to assemble the furniture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

I watch Maria Friedman give instructions for the play she is directing.

The Guardian

An earlier version of the mince pie blondies recipe omitted to give instructions for the butter.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The policy should describe the app's information-sharing practices, and may give instructions for opting out of some of them.

The New York Times

For example, they could give instructions for their Facebook profile to be memorialised or for their Twitter account to be deleted.

The Guardian

If I don't give instructions for making the meringues in question, it's because I feel that those of you who are inclined to make their own will know how to already.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Some of the notes discuss how life is no longer worth living, some blame others for their death, some give instructions for the dispersal of their property, some claim to be possessed by demons, etc.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

As old as anything in Western music -- the very earliest medieval treatises give instruction for its use in church -- it had long since been consigned to the classroom.

The New York Times - Arts

The sails depart from the Baltic Sea port of Warnemünde, Germany, during which crew members give instruction for anyone who wants to haul lines or grind on the winches.

The New York Times

"Georges Tron has given instructions for me to submit a legal complaint for defamatory accusations.

The Guardian

The book gave instructions for achieving this, but warned me it was hard to do alone.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They have filled out prison forms giving instructions for what they wanted done with their bodies.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "give instructions for", ensure the context clearly indicates what task or process the instructions are related to. For example, "give instructions for assembling the product" is more precise than "give instructions".

Common error

Avoid using "give instructions for" without specifying what the instructions are about. Saying "he gave instructions" is less helpful than "he gave instructions for operating the machine".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "give instructions for" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of providing specific directions or guidance for a particular task or process. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, from assembling furniture to following medical protocols.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "give instructions for" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for indicating the provision of guidance or directions. Ludwig highlights its common usage in news, scientific, and wiki contexts. When employing this phrase, clarity is key; specify the task to which the instructions pertain. Alternatives such as "provide guidance for" or "offer directions for" can add nuance. According to Ludwig, the phrase is applicable in both formal and informal settings, rendering it a versatile choice for various writing needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provide guidance for

Emphasizes the act of offering support and direction, rather than explicitly dictating actions.

offer directions for

Focuses specifically on providing a route or course of action, whether literal or figurative.

furnish guidelines for

Implies a more formal and structured set of instructions, often for official purposes.

lay out procedures for

Highlights the establishment of a systematic process to be followed.

detail the steps for

Stresses the sequential and itemized nature of the instructions.

specify the method for

Focuses on identifying a precise and particular way of doing something.

explain how to

Offers a clear explanation of the process, emphasizing understanding and comprehension.

describe the process for

Similar to 'explain how to', but often includes a more comprehensive account of all elements.

present a manual for

Suggests a comprehensive document containing detailed instructions.

outline the protocol for

Implies a formal or standardized procedure, often within scientific or technical fields.

FAQs

How can I use "give instructions for" in a sentence?

You can use "give instructions for" to indicate the act of providing guidance or directions on how to perform a specific task. For example, "The manual will "give instructions for" assembling the furniture".

What can I say instead of "give instructions for"?

You can use alternatives like "provide guidance for", "offer directions for", or "furnish guidelines for" depending on the context.

Is there a more formal way to say "give instructions for"?

Yes, you could use phrases like "furnish guidelines for" or "detail the steps for" to sound more formal.

What's the difference between ""give instructions for"" and "offer advice on"?

"Give instructions for" implies providing direct and specific steps to follow, while "offer advice on" suggests providing suggestions or recommendations without necessarily detailing a precise method.