Sequencing Instructions

By Miguel Villegas

You turn on a computer by pressing the power button.

You open a door by using the keys.

by + verb-ing to explain how to do something.

Examples:

Make the disk spin by pulling the strings.

You should make the beds so that you have the room clean.

Make sure you unplug the cellphone so you don’t damage thebattery life.

so or so that to explain why you do something.

Examples:

The loops should be short enough so that you can easily hold the device.

Once + first instruction (Active or Passive Voice), second instruction( imperative) to give step-by-step instructions.

Examples:

Once you twist the loops, gently pull them.

Comma

Once the loops are twisted, gently pull them.

Once + first instruction (Active or Passive Voice), second instruction( imperative) to give step-by-step instructions.

Examples:

Once you eat the lunch, do the dishes.

Comma

Once the lunch is eaten, do the dishes.

Once + first instruction (Active or Passive Voice), second instruction( imperative) to give step-by-step instructions.

Examples:

Once you repair the computer, use it.

Comma

Once the computer is repaired, use it.