What is the difference between directions and instructions?

Question

What is the difference between directions and instructions?

Answer 1

According to Oxford Dictionary the words are interchangeable. meaning to give unknown knowledge. Weather to do something or go somewhere.

Answer 2

directions imply a familiarity with the terminology.

instructions means you're learning both - the lingo and the directions.

For example, someone learning to knit would need basic instructions for the type of stitches used.  Once they understand those stitches and how to read a knitting pattern THEN they can follow the directions of a pattern.

These basic knitting directions don't make any sense without instructions:

Sl1, k19, ssk, k1

Answer 3

directions are for going somewhere

and instructions are for doing something

Answer 4

directions are like go left, now go right etc.

instructions are first you attach the red string to the yellow, next you etc

Answer 5

Directions are a guidance as to what to do or how to proceed for good results

Whereas

Instructions indicate an obligation to adhere to something to prevent problems.

Directions for use on a milkshake will help you get the most from it and directions to get somewhere help you not to get lost.

Instructions on a medicine tell you how not to harm yourself with it and instructions from a dive instructor stop you from drowning.

See the difference?

Answer 6

Directions: Guidelines

Instructions:  How to go about something.

Ingrid