understand instructions — follow directions
collocationB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon
To know what to do because you clearly understand the steps or advice someone has given you.
Say it like a native
Textbook I have comprehended the directives provided to me.
Native I understand the instructions.
Natural; 'comprehended the directives' is officialese.
Pattern: understand instructions (on/about something)
In use
- It's important to understand instructions before starting a new job.daily life
- In my opinion, being able to understand instructions is essential, especially when learning new skills or working in a team.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ Did you understand to the instructions?
✓ Did you understand the instructions?
'Understand' takes the object directly — no 'to'.
Common collocations
understand the instructions— clearly, follow, fully, easy to
Don't confuse it
Not the same as 'follow instructions,' which means you actually do what you were told. 'Understand instructions' means you know what to do, but you might not have done it yet.