Understanding and Checking Instructions

Goal Follow instructions and check you have understood them correctly. At work, it is always better to check than to guess. Australians often give instructions quickly and informally, so these phrases are important.

ASKING TO REPEAT OR SLOW DOWN

Sorry, could you say that again?
Could you slow down a little, please?
Could you show me how to do that?

CHECKING (repeat it back in your own words)

So, you want me to ... first, and then ...?
Just to check: the boxes go on the top shelf, not the bottom?
Do you mean today or tomorrow?

DIALOGUE

Manager Can you restock aisle four, then do the cardboard before you knock off?

Ahmed Sorry, "knock off"?

Manager Finish work -- go home.

Ahmed Ah, OK. So I restock aisle four first, then flatten the cardboard, and then I can go?

Manager Spot on.

IMPERATIVES the grammar of instructions

Instructions usually start with the verb:

Put on your gloves. / Don't lift that by yourself. / Make sure the door is locked.

"Make sure" means: check that something is done.

PRACTICE

Your boss says: "Grab the keys off Tony, fuel up the van and have it out the front by eight."
Write a sentence to check you understood.

Show sample answer

"So I get the keys from Tony, fill the van with fuel, and park it
at the front by 8 o'clock?"

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