Meaning & use
simple instructions
Last updated
Meanings
phraseplural
Short, clear directions that are easy to follow or understand.
Grammar: Always plural in this sense; use 'a simple instruction' for one single direction.
Patterns
- give someone simple instructions
- follow simple instructions
- simple instructions for something
The teacher gave us simple instructions for the science experiment.
Please write simple instructions so that everyone can assemble the shelf.
He followed the simple instructions and finished the task in ten minutes.
phraseplural
A set of basic orders or commands that are not complicated.
Grammar: Often used with 'give', 'follow', or 'understand'.
Patterns
- simple instructions to do something
- understand simple instructions
The manual contains simple instructions to reset the password.
Children can understand simple instructions from an early age.
Common combinations
- give simple instructions
- The coach gave simple instructions before the game.
- follow simple instructions
- If you follow the simple instructions, you won't make a mistake.
- clear and simple instructions
- The form comes with clear and simple instructions.
- simple instructions for use
- The box has simple instructions for use on the side.
Synonyms and how they differ
- clear instructions
- Focuses on being easy to understand, not necessarily short or basic.
- easy directions
- Similar, but 'directions' often refers to how to get somewhere.
Opposites
Word family
- simply adverb
- In a simple manner; plainly.
- simplicity noun
- The quality of being easy to understand.
- instruct verb
- To teach or give orders.
- instruction noun
- A single piece of advice or order.
Commonly confused: simple instructions or simple direction?
simple instructions vs simple direction
Usually means a straightforward way to go, not a set of orders.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'simple instructions' correctly?
Choose one answer.
The pattern is 'instructions to do something' or 'instructions for doing something'. Option 0 uses the correct infinitive. The others have wrong verb forms.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “simple instructions”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.