In cooking, the method is specified by the choice of verb. Lessons teach different methods. Boil means something different from simmer, and roll is different from knead. Pay attention to these differences.

The terms in the recipe may differ from those in the ingredient list. Instructions may use a general term: for example, fat refers to those fats (such as cooking oil) listed in the ingredients, while flour includes all types of flour listed in the ingredients.

Instructions also state how or with what tools to carry out the preparation: with a wooden spoon, on the middle rack of the oven, with an immersion blender,in a pot. The method is often indicated by the -lla/-llä form, or the adessive case in Finnish.  Cooking time is also provided.