How to describe a process
When you have to give a series of instructions to make or produce
something there are some common, useful and simple language features
you can use to sound fluent and natural. In this programme we use the
example of how to cook the perfect omelette to demonstrate this.
Listen
- realmedia
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- (1.8 MB)
Script
(37 K)
Don't forget to practise what you've learned with the activity.
The imperative |
One common feature when describing a process, such as the instructions for how to make a particular dish, is the use of the imperative. The imperative form is made by using the bare infinitive of the verb (the infinitive without 'to'). Here are some examples from the programme. The imperatives are in bold. Note that in these examples there are no grammatical subjects
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Linking words |
When giving a series of instructions it's more natural in speech and writing to join the different instructions together with linking words. There are many different linking words that can be used to describe a sequence of instructions that are part of a process. Two very simple, but commonly used ones are and and then. Here are some examples from the omelette instructions.
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