Summary of Professional English for Technical Communication
Professional English for Technical Communication Skills
Introduction
This unit helps learners understand and produce clear technical and professional English for workplace documents and instructions. The material focuses on vocabulary, document types, and the grammar commonly used in procedures, warnings and simple technical texts. It is designed for self-study and includes practical examples, short activities and tips to improve clarity and accuracy.
Definition: Technical English — English used to communicate procedures, specifications, warnings and workplace information clearly and precisely.
1. Vocabulary in Technical and Workplace Contexts
1.1 Common action verbs in technical instructions
- Core verbs typically appear as imperatives at the start of steps: Press, Turn, Check, Install, Replace, Tighten, Connect.
Examples:
- Press the red button to start.
- Turn the handle to the right.
- Check the voltage before starting.
Definition: Imperative — a verb form used to give commands or instructions (e.g., "Turn off").
1.2 Vocabulary by professional field
- Electricity: voltage, circuit, fuse, terminal, switch
- Healthcare: sterile, dressing, patient, bedpan, monitor
- Administration: form, record, file, signature, submit
Activity idea: Match sector words to pictures, then write one instruction using a sector verb and noun.
1.3 Word families and collocations
- press the button, write the report, replace the filter, install the software
Definition: Collocation — words that commonly go together (e.g., "replace the battery").
2. Types of Professional Documents
2.1 Workplace documents
- Forms, manuals, maintenance records, safety notes
Use:
- Forms collect data
- Manuals explain operation and maintenance
- Records log work done
- Safety notes highlight hazards and mandatory actions
2.2 Instructions: layout, steps and audience
- Typical structure: title, purpose, list of required tools, numbered steps, warnings, result
- Keep steps short, use sequencers (First, Then, Next), and add warnings where necessary
Definition: Sequencer — a word that shows order (e.g., "First").
2.3 Labels and pictograms
- Labels give brief info: content, hazard, handling
- Pictograms provide quick visual warnings (e.g., electrical hazard symbol)
Practical tip: When reading labels, scan for verbs, numbers, and icons first to get key actions and risks quickly.
3. Key Grammar for Instructions
3.1 Imperatives in procedures
- Form: base verb (Turn off, Do not touch)
- Use for direct commands and steps
Examples:
- Turn off the power.
- Do not touch the live wires.
3.2 Must and Have to (Obligation)
- Must = stronger, used for rules and safety requirements
- Have to = practical obligation, often about procedures or external requirements
Comparison table:
| Situation | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Safety rule | must | You must wear gloves in this area. |
| Procedure requirement | have to | We have to complete the form before printing it. |
| Prohibition | must not | You must not touch the wires. |
| Optional action | don’t have to | You don’t have to print it today. |
Students practice using both forms in affirmative and negative sentences and deciding which is appropriate.
3.3 First Conditional (instructions with conditions)
- Structure: If + Present Simple, will + Verb
Examples:
- If you press the green button, the machine will start.
- If you don’t wear gloves, you will get a chemical burn.
- If the printer is out of paper, it will not print.
Activity: Write three troubleshooting instructions using the first conditional.
3.4 Passive voice (present simple forms)
- Structure: be (am/is/are) + past participle
Examples:
- The device is connected to a power source.
- The circuit is checked bef
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Technical English Essentials
Klíčová slova: Technical English, Workplace English Technical Training, Workplace English Instructions & Writing
Klíčové pojmy: Use imperative verbs (Press, Turn, Check) to start steps, Distinguish must (strong rule) from have to (practical obligation), Form first conditional: If + present simple, will + verb, Use passive (be + past participle) to focus on process, not agent, Structure instructions: title, purpose, tools, numbered steps, warnings, result, Use sequencers (First, Then, Next) to show order, Include short safety notes with must/have to and conditionals, Scan documents for verbs, warnings, tools, steps and expected outcome, Prefer short steps; split long steps into smaller actions, Use collocations (press the button, replace the filter) for natural phrasing, Match vocabulary to sector-specific contexts (electricity, healthcare, admin), Check and rewrite instructions aloud to improve clarity