In a wikiHow article, each step should be instructional to provide the reader with something to do to accomplish the task outlined in the title. One of the many ways to do this is to begin each step with a verb. Here are a few suggestions:
EditSteps
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1Instruct the reader with words such as:
- purchase, gather, obtain
- incorporate, mix, add
- cut, sew, chop
- repeat, do not, avoid, allow, ask
- acknowledge, understand, remember, be aware
- write, type, record
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2Avoid words such as:
- now, then, next
- once, if, as, optional
- generally, frequently, occasionally
- and, also, however
- okay, so, well, because
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3Avoid using a pronoun or possessive pronoun at the start, such as: you, your, all, etc.
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4Avoid using a noun, such as an ingredient or supply: the tomato, the turkey, the sugar, the hammer, the ribbon, or the whisk.
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5Avoid gerunds, verbs utilized as a noun and ending with “ing:” finding, pasting or sitting.
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6Add informational content as desired within given instructional steps. This contents can be included after the instructional step in the same paragraph or as a bulleted sub-step after the main action.
EditTips
- For questions, contact the Help Team.
- Other sections, of a wikiHow article, do not need to begin with a verb.
- Beginning each step with a verb is not mandatory, because it can result in awkward or convoluted sentences. It is acceptable to omit the verb as long as the step clearly describes an action to be taken.
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