What Words Should I Avoid in User Instructions?

Clear user instructions are the backbone of a great user experience (UX). Whether your users are signing up for a new service, navigating through complex software, or assembling a product, precise language can make the difference between frustration and success. Yet, many UX writers fall into common traps with ambiguous wording, vague verbs, and unclear directions. These missteps not only disrupt comprehension but also hurt completion rates, especially for non-native English speakers.

In this post, we'll explore the kinds of words and phrases you should avoid in user instructions — backed by insights from Engglory.com, Plain English Campaign, and mrq.com. We’ll also examine how AI-powered tools and eye-tracking research provide evidence for best practices. Along the way, we’ll highlight the importance of plain language principles to enhance accessibility and effectiveness in your microcopy.

Why UX Writing Matters in User Instructions

UX writing is much more than polishing button labels or tone of voice. It’s an essential component of the entire product experience. Good microcopy guides users through tasks, reduces errors, and builds confidence, improving overall usability. Poorly written instructions, by contrast, lead to confusion, task abandonment, and support tickets.

Engglory.com emphasizes that “clear instructions are a critical step in creating a seamless user journey.” Their expertise in crafting instructional content shows that users crave clarity so they can focus on their goals rather than deciphering ambiguous text.

Impact on Completion Rates

Studies repeatedly show that vague or complex language in task instructions lowers the likelihood of users completing a process. For example, when an onboarding flow uses unclear directions like “Submit your details,” users hesitate if they’re unsure what “details” refers to or what happens next. Contrastingly, instructions that say “Enter your full name and email, then click Sign Up” lead to higher engagement and completion.

The team at mrq.com, experts in UX conversion analytics, notes that microcopy wording choices can increase completion rates by up to 30%. This makes a strong case for avoiding ambiguous wording and vague verbs entirely.

Top Words and Phrases to Avoid in User Instructions

When writing instructions, certain categories of words consistently cause difficulty:

1. Ambiguous wording: Words or phrases that are open to multiple interpretations.
2. Vague verbs: Action words that don’t specify exactly what the user should do.
3. Unclear directions: Instructions that lack detail or context necessary for task completion.

1. Ambiguous Wording

• “Submit” — What exactly is being submitted? Is it a form, a file, or something else?
• “Click here” — Without context, “here” can confuse screen reader users and impair SEO.
• “Next” or “Continue” — Ambiguous without clarifying what comes next.
• “Complete” — Complete what? The task, the form, the order?

Plain English Campaign advocates replacing ambiguous phrases with specific, descriptive labels. For example, use “Send feedback,” “Save changes,” or “Go to payment” instead of generic verbs like “Submit” or “Next.”

2. Vague Verbs

Vague action words make instructions harder to follow because users are unsure what the expected behavior is. Avoid verbs like:

• “Handle”
• “Edit” (without specifying what to edit)
• “Manage”
• “Check” (Does that mean "review" or literally "check a box"?!)

Instead, be explicit: “Edit your shipping address,” “Manage your subscription plan,” or “Check the box labeled ‘Accept terms.’”

3. Unclear Directions

Unclear directions result from missing information or assumptions about user knowledge. Examples include:

• “Fill out the form below.” (Which fields? In what order?)
• “Confirm your identity.” (How? With a photo ID? Password? Email link?)
• “Choose a category.” (What options are available? Are multiple selections allowed?)

Effective instructions should specify all necessary steps and expectations. For instance, “Enter your full name in the first field, then select your preferred payment method from the dropdown menu.”

Using AI Tools to Enhance Instructional Copy

Modern artificial intelligence (AI) tools can be invaluable partners for UX writers aiming to eliminate ambiguous wording and improve clarity:

• Grammar correction: Tools like Grammarly catch confusing sentence structures.
• Translation & localization: AI-powered translation helps ensure non-native English speakers understand instructions accurately.
• Summarisation: AI can help condense lengthy instructions, promoting brevity and focus.
• Keyword suggestions: Improving clarity with terminology aligned to user search and expectations.
• Readability analysis: Scores help maintain plain-language principles ensuring instructions are easy to scan and comprehend.

Engglory.com, which offers multilingual educational resources, leverages AI for precise grammar correction and translation ensuring instructional copy is accessible worldwide — a critical factor in reducing user errors in global products.

Evidence from Eye-Tracking Research on Instruction Scanning Behavior

Eye-tracking studies reveal users rarely read instructions word-for-word. Instead, they scan for familiar words and clear action cues. This makes avoiding ambiguous wording vital — a vague instruction fails to catch the user’s eye or triggers re-reading, increasing cognitive load.

The Plain notification copy English Campaign cites research showing that users prefer concise, well-structured instructions where key verbs and nouns stand out. Bullet points and numbered steps, combined with precise language, significantly improve scanning efficiency and task completion.

Accessibility: Make Instructions Clear for Everyone

A crucial aspect often overlooked is accessibility for non-native English speakers. Unclear directions and jargon exclude a significant portion of users who may already struggle with technical English.

Mrq.com emphasizes the use of plain language principles to ensure instructions are universally understandable, recommending authors:

• Choose simple vocabulary over jargon or idioms.
• Use short sentences for easier parsing.
• Provide examples or visuals where possible.
• Test instructions with diverse user groups, including ESL (English as a Second Language) speakers.

For example, rather than “Authenticate your credentials,” say “Enter your username and password.” This removes ambiguity and improves inclusivity.

A Common Mistake: Not Showing Prices in Instructions

One usability pitfall indirectly related to instruction clarity is hiding critical information, such as pricing. Some web content scraped or automated instructions omit showing prices, frustrating users expecting transparency.

Clear directions about costs and payment prevent surprises and decrease abandonment rates. Ensure your instructions include explicit mentions of prices or clearly link to pricing pages where that info is essential to the task.

Summary: Words to Avoid & What to Use Instead

Words or Phrases to Avoid Why? Recommended Alternatives Submit Ambiguous action; unclear what is being submitted Send feedback, Save changes, Complete registration Click here Non-descriptive for screen readers and SEO Download report, View details Next / Continue Unclear about next step Review order, Go to payment Handle / Manage / Edit Vague—does not specify user action Edit shipping address, Manage subscription, Update profile Confirm your identity Lacks detail on how to proceed Upload your ID card, Verify via email link

Final Thoughts

Effective user instructions rely heavily on word choice. Avoiding ambiguous wording, vague verbs, and unclear directions increases usability, completion rates, and accessibility — especially for users less familiar with English. By integrating plain language principles, supported by AI tools and informed by eye-tracking research, UX writers can transform instructions into powerful guides that empower users.

Whether you’re crafting onboarding for an app, writing help center articles, or designing transactional emails, remember: the right words clear the path. Companies like Engglory.com, Plain English Campaign, and mrq.com show that investing in clarity isn’t just good writing—it’s good business.