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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:

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EditSteps

  1. 1
    Instruct the reader with words such as:

    Begin Each wikiHow Step with a Verb Step 1 Version 2.jpg
    • 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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  2. 2
    Avoid words such as:

    Begin Each wikiHow Step with a Verb Step 2 Version 2.jpg
    • now, then, next
    • once, if, as, optional
    • generally, frequently, occasionally
    • and, also, however
    • okay, so, well, because
  3. 3
    Avoid using a pronoun or possessive pronoun at the start, such as: you, your, all, etc.

    Begin Each wikiHow Step with a Verb Step 3 Version 2.jpg
  4. 4
    Avoid using a noun, such as an ingredient or supply: the tomato, the turkey, the sugar, the hammer, the ribbon, or the whisk.

    Begin Each wikiHow Step with a Verb Step 4 Version 2.jpg
  5. 5
    Avoid gerunds, verbs utilized as a noun and ending with “ing:” finding, pasting or sitting.
  6. 6
    Add 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.
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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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EditSources and Citations

  • And what exactly is a VERB??

Article Info

Categories: Writing and Editing

In other languages:

Español: Cómo comenzar cada paso en wikiHow con un verbo

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