Directions - Instructions

[epic]

What the hell is the difference? (besides the spelling genuis)

 

[Der Alta]

Instructions are usually related to assembling something.

Directions are usually associated with movement or a path.

You can argue that it is semantics in how you use the two words, but it really is a semantic issue with only a subtle difference.

AO

 

[milefile]

Instructions (instruct) have to do with doing something new, something youmay not already know how to do.

Directions (direct) have nothing to do with teaching or instructing, but are more like orders.

A teacher (or manual) instructs. A boss (or director) directs.

Think of movies. Actors get acting instruction before they go to the set to be directed.

 

[epic]

So basically one is telling you to do something and the other is showing you?

I got in an argument today with the wife over this.. we were putting together one of those backyard jungle jim things and I said read the directions, and she said instructions and it just escaladed and now I'm sleeping on the couch tonight

 

[milefile]

That's rough. Do it yourself next time.

 

[milefile]

Originally posted by epic
So basically one is telling you to do something and the other is showing you?

I got in an argument today with the wife over this.. we were putting together one of those backyard jungle jim things and I said read the directions, and she said instructions and it just escaladed and now I'm sleeping on the couch tonight

Yes. So manuals that come with things that require assembly are usually a mix of the two, unless you're an incompetent bufoon, then they are all instruction.

I often fall into the incompetent buffoon category. In the past few months I hav assembled more things than I can even remember...

Crib
Swing chair.
Bassinet (hand-me-down... because the wife had to disassemble it to clean it)
Changing table
Entertainment center
etc...

Usually the instructions/directions are worthless anyway. But knowing that is half the battle.

 

[epic]

Yea... I would have done it myself if the dumb thing didnt require 2 people to hold the sides up while a 3rd person hammers the nails in. Next time I'll just pay the extra $50 for them to come and put it together and let them argue about it


good no one saw that typo

 

[milefile]

What typo? Not "escaladed"? I was thinking it would be cool to get an Escalade when you argue with your wife.

 

[epic]

instead of 'nails' I typed in names lol no idea why it just happened