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First the objective/desired results/goal, then how to get there.
Your examples B and D look like one of a number of steps; no problem,
as long as they are preceded by the reason to perform those steps.
Example C has the purpose and action in one sentence; as a sentence,
it's OK; As a step, it should be taken apart.
When you are giving an instruction in your documentation, do you first
give the instruction, then identify the need or condition, or do you
identify the need or condition first and follow it with the instruction?
For example, which would you more likely write:
A. To drive a car, first go to the department of transportation and apply
for a driver's license.
B. Go to the department of transportation and apply for a driver's
license before driving a car.
C. To access the reports database, exit the personnel screen and return
to the main menu.
D. Exit the personnel screen and return to the main menu before accessing
the reports database.
