Clear instructions cut through confusion. When a reader opens a doc, they do not want hints or warm up phrases. They want direction. The simplest way to deliver that is the imperative form. It leads with a verb and tells the reader exactly what to do without qualifiers or hesitation. This is not grammar trivia. It is a practical choice that makes the experience feel smoother and keeps readers moving.
Teams slip into suggestion language because it feels polite. In practice it slows readers down. Phrases like you should or you can force users to interpret intent instead of taking action.
Why this matters for product teams
Action first writing speeds up onboarding and reduces the back and forth that creates support tickets. Readers trust instructions that give them a clear next step. They disengage when the wording sounds uncertain.
Confident, direct language signals a product culture that values clarity.
How to Apply It
Lead with the verb. Cut the extra padding. Say the step the same way you would explain it in person.
Examples
Not effective: You should click Install to start the setup.
Effective: Click Install to start the setup.
Not effective: The file can be opened by selecting Open File from the menu.
Effective: Select Open File from the menu to open the file.
The imperative form turns reading into doing. Use it whenever you write a step that guides a user forward. Direct language makes technical content clearer, faster to follow, and easier to trust.
