instructional

Everyday

1. Meant to teach or show you how to do something. tree →
2. (formal) To do with teaching and instruction in schools. tree →

In the lessons

Used for videos, books and texts that teach a skill: an instructional video on how to tie a knot. In English lessons, instructional writing (instructions, recipes, how-to guides) uses numbered steps and bossy verbs like "cut", "mix", "fold". Phrases: instructional video, instructional text, instructional time (formal).

Examples

• We watched an instructional video on how to plant seeds. tree →
• A recipe is a kind of instructional text. tree →
• Instructional writing uses command verbs like "stir" and "pour". tree →
• The kit came with an instructional booklet. tree →
• The coach made an instructional poster about safe swimming. tree →
• The school wants more instructional time for reading (formal). tree →

Note

Adjective from "instruction" (noun) and "instruct" (verb). Pupils more often say "how-to" or "instructions". Not "instructive", which means "teaches you something useful" (an instructive mistake).