GIVING INSTRUCTIONS

Imperative

Using polite language (would, could, may, please) is part of English language culture. However, sometimes the focus is on completing a task correctly. In such situations, we use a simpler form called the imperative. The imperative is the infinitive form of the verb.

Uses of the imperative include instructions about

• how to prepare for a procedure
• how to give or take medication
• what to do for an adverse drug reaction
• how to take care of a wound, dressing, catheter, airway and so on.

EXAMPLES

(Spirometry)

“Please hold the tube tightly in your lips. You may take a big breath in, then you can breathe out as hard as you can.”

• “Hold the tube tightly in your lips. Take a big breath in, then breathe out as hard as you can.”

(Drug instructions)

“Please use two puffs of the salbutamol inhaler as needed for an attack. You may take the Spiriva (tiotropium) capsules once daily even between attacks.”

• “Use two puffs of the salbutamol inhaler as needed for an attack. Take the Spiriva (tiotropium) capsules once daily even between attacks.”

When expressly giving instructions, using the imperative without ‘could’, would’ or please’ is not considered impolite.

GRAMMAR. EXERCISE E

INFORMING ABOUT FACTS or GIVING INSTRUCTIONS?

Instructions. Choose the correct answer.

See APPENDIX 6.2 – Drug Regimens: Instructions & Abbreviations in module resources.