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Directions and instructions are guidelines that serve a specific purpose. However, there is a difference between these two words “directions vs instructions”.
According to the English dictionary, the term “direction” is a noun and it defines the action of directing or pointing something towards.
Before GPS car navigation was introduced by automobile manufacturers, asking for directions to locate a place was very common. It’s still very much common for people driving to ask for directions.
The term “instruction” is also a noun, a word that defines the act of instructing, teaching or furnishing with information or knowledge.
Both direction and instruction serve the purpose of providing guidelines but the word “instruction” is more related to academics.
Keep reading as we discuss the difference between the terms “directions and instructions”. We will also look at a few examples of sentences with the term direction and instruction.
What Is Direction?
The English dictionary defines “direction” as the action of directing. The word “direction” serves the purpose of providing guidelines in order to help one locate their destination.
It’s also defined as the path or course of a given movement or moving object- an indication of the point towards which an object is moving. It refers to the trajectory or path of something.
Direction is the act of directing and it focuses on what to do. For example, a company may decide to move their establishment in a progressive direction- or a team of businessmen may decide to have a specific direction to achieve their goal.
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What Is Instruction?
The term “instruction” is a noun and it defines the act of instructing, teaching or furnishing with knowledge. Instructions serve as guidelines to help accomplish an unfamiliar task.
Instructions are information and advice often written in a book or on the side of a container on how to do or make use of something properly. It’s detailed information that provides guidelines about how something should be done or handled.
Instructions help prevent any mistake or misuse of an item. It could be an electrical appliance or a piece of furniture. The user manual is handy and it contains all the detailed information.
Directions and Instructions: Difference between Direction and Instruction
Instruction and direction are terms that serve the purpose of providing guidelines. Both words serve a similar purpose but they differ in their definition.
Direction is what a person who is trying to locate a specific area would ask for. Now, this means the person asking for directions is not familiar with the area or they have been there before but can’t locate the place anymore.
In contrast, instruction is the information and advice often written in a book or on the side of a container on how to do or make use of something properly. Instruction serves as a guideline to achieve a specific task.
Both terms “instruction” and “direction” are usually found to be helpful in different contexts. Instructions and directions can be offered in both oral and written forms.
From user or online manuals to cookbooks, instructions provide detailed information on how to do or make use of something properly.
Although instructions and directions serve a similar purpose, the former tend to provide more detailed information about a thing or topic, while the latter provide detailed step-by-step information.
Instructions may also be more explanatory, with detailed diagrams. Directions and instructions serve as helpful guidelines to accomplish a task or locate a place.
They exist for the purpose of guiding and providing information.
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Directions vs Instructions: How to Use the Term “Direction” in a Sentence
The word “direction” serves the purpose of providing guidelines in order to help one locate their destination.
Let’s look at a few examples of sentences with the term “direction”.
- Hello, please can you give me directions to the nearest grocery store?
- The contestants in the reality TV show were given a clue that pointed them in the right direction to find the treasure
- He was a bit confused along the way because he was not given a proper direction
- The ship sailed off course and was moving in the wrong direction
- Before the race started, the officials gave directions to the drivers
- Mathew was driving towards the sunset before he realized he was heading in the wrong direction
- This is a dead end, I think we were given the wrong direction
- The florist gave directions on how to properly care for the flowers
- He is new to the area, so he will need directions to find his way around
- The tutor guide was kind and gentle, and he gave us directions to where we would meet
- The couple followed the direction of the traffic signs and got home safely
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Using the Term “Instruction” in a Sentence
Here are a few examples of sentences with the term “instruction”.
- He studied at a university in Germany but the language of instruction at the institution is English
- The lecturer gave a simple and clear instruction on how to complete the research project
- Please, make sure you read the instructions before you set the furniture
- He failed the test, perhaps he did not follow the instructions properly
- The company gave an instruction to their employees on how to complete the project.
- She was more confused after listening to his instructions for a couple of minutes
- He was given an instruction by the doctor not to lift heavy items for the next six months
- The football team won the game after they followed the instructions of the coach
- He was able to install the electrical appliance after following the instructions in the manual
- The recipe provides simple instructions to prepare the dish
- The lecturer was clear enough with his instructions, so if anyone failed, they weren’t paying attention
- Jeremy felt sick again because he ignored the doctor’s instruction
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Directions vs Instructions: Comparison Chart
| Directions | Instructions | |
| Definition | The English dictionary defines “direction” as the action of directing. | The term “instruction” is a noun and it defines the act of instructing, teaching or furnishing with knowledge. |
| Meaning | Directions refer to guidance | Instructions refer to commands |
| Implies | Spatial orientation | No spatial orientation |
| Goals | Less abrasive and formal | More abrasive and formal |
| Acts of | Directing order | Instructing with information and knowledge |
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Directions vs Instructions: Common Mistakes to Avoid
Most people often use the terms “direction” and “instruction” interchangeably.
Instruction and direction are terms that serve the purpose of providing guidelines. Both words serve a similar purpose but they differ in their definition.
Directions are the act of directing, while instructions are information and advice often written in a book or on the side of a container on how to do or make use of something properly.
These words should not be used interchangeably in sentences and conversations.
Conclusion
The term “instruction” is also a noun, a word that defines the act of instructing, teaching or furnishing with information or knowledge. Instruction is detailed information that provides guidelines about how something should be done or handled.
Although instructions and directions serve a similar purpose, the former tend to provide more detailed information about a thing or topic, while the latter provide detailed step-by-step information.
We hope this article on directions vs instructions was helpful.
