What is procedure? Pronunciation and usage in English

procedure means . Learn how to pronounce and use procedure through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of procedure

procedurenoun

/prəˈsiːdʒə/
Definition & pronunciation of procedure

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "procedure" in English. It can be tricky for some learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • ˈprɪˌsɪdʒər (rhymes with "prize, judge, or ginger")

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  1. ˈprɪ (pri): This is similar to the word "prize." The 'i' is a short 'i' sound like in "pig."

  2. ˌsɪdʒ (sij): This is the trickiest part. It sounds like "sij" (as in "size"). Think of it as a short "s" followed by a "ij" sound.

  3. ər (er): This is a very brief, almost silent "er" sound, similar to the "er" in "her." It's often almost swallowed.

Here’s a helpful way to think about it:

  • Imagine saying "prize" and then quickly adding "sij" and then a tiny "er."

Resources for Hearing It:

Common Mispronunciations:

  • "pro-cedure" (as in "pro-like procedure") - This is a very common mistake.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What's your native language? (This can sometimes influence pronunciation patterns.)

Usage and examples with the word procedure in English

Let's break down how to use the word "procedure" in English. It's a versatile word with a few slightly different nuances.

1. Core Meaning: A Series of Steps

At its most basic, “procedure” refers to a set of established steps taken to accomplish something. Think of it as a recipe for doing something.

  • Example: "The procedure for filing a tax return is outlined in the IRS website." (Here, it's a list of steps to follow.)
  • Example: “We followed the company’s standard procedure for handling customer complaints.” (A defined sequence of actions.)

2. Formal/Technical Usage (Often in Business, Medicine, and Science)

"Procedure" is often used in more formal contexts, particularly when dealing with rules, protocols, or established ways of doing things.

  • Business: "The procedure for approving marketing budgets is handled by the executive team."
  • Medicine: "The doctor explained the procedure before performing the surgery." (Refers to the specific steps of the surgical operation.)
  • Science: "The laboratory procedure requires precise measurements for accurate results.”
  • Law: "The court followed established procedures for conducting the trial.”

3. As a Noun (the thing itself)

  • Example: “Let’s review the procedure for opening a new account.” (Referring to the set of steps.)

4. As a Verb (to carry out a procedure)

  • Example: “The technician will procedure the equipment to ensure it’s running correctly.” (Meaning: “will operate/test the equipment”)
  • Example: “We need to procedure these documents according to protocol." (Meaning: "process/handle")

5. Synonyms

Here are some words that can be used in similar ways to "procedure":

  • Process
  • Protocol
  • Method
  • System
  • Steps
  • Rules
  • Guidelines

Let's look at some examples in sentences to illustrate different uses:

  • Simple: "The procedure for making coffee is simple: add water, add coffee grounds, and press the button."
  • Formal: "The HR department implemented a new procedure for onboarding new employees."
  • Medical: "The dentist performed a root canal procedure."
  • Technical: "The software procedure ensures data integrity.”

Tips for Using "Procedure" Effectively:

  • Context is key: Pay attention to the situation to understand what kind of "procedure" is being referred to.
  • Clarity: If you're describing a complex procedure, break it down into smaller, more manageable steps.
  • Formal vs. Informal: “Process” is often a slightly more flexible synonym, while “procedure” can sound more official or specific.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of writing are you working on? (e.g., business report, medical documentation, creative writing, everyday conversation?)
  • Can you give me an example sentence where you’re trying to use "procedure"?

Synonyms for the word procedure

Practice with vocabulary procedure

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The new employee onboarding ________ includes several mandatory training modules.
  2. Understanding the entire manufacturing ________ is essential for quality control.
  3. For successful data recovery, it's crucial to follow the precise ________ detailed in the system's manual.
  4. The marketing team established new content creation ________ to ensure brand consistency across all platforms.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (select all that apply)

  1. When a company establishes a detailed, step-by-step instruction for employees to follow in a specific situation (e.g., filing a report, handling a customer complaint), what is this often referred to as? a) A directive b) A procedure c) A policy d) A guideline e) A protocol

  2. To ensure patient safety in a medical setting, strict adherence to what is paramount when administering medication? a) The prescribed dosage b) The established procedure c) The doctor's orders d) The hospital policy e) The nursing protocol

  3. Which of the following terms refers to a documented, standardized set of instructions for completing a specific task, often to ensure quality or safety? a) Protocol b) Policy c) Procedure d) Regulation e) Best practice

  4. The company's overarching principles that guide all decision-making are called its... a) Regulations b) Processes c) Policies d) Guidelines e) Directives

  5. What do you call the general course of events or a series of actions that lead to a particular result, without necessarily implying a strict, documented method? a) The operation b) The sequence c) The process d) The execution e) The drill

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Rewrite the sentence to include the word "procedure": Original: We need to formalize the steps for handling customer complaints to ensure consistency.

  2. Rewrite the sentence to include the word "procedure" or a related form: Original: The technician showed me how to calibrate the equipment correctly.

  3. Rewrite the sentence, replacing "procedure" with a suitable alternative word: Original: Following the proper procedure is vital for workplace safety.

Answer Key

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The new employee onboarding procedure includes several mandatory training modules.
  2. Understanding the entire manufacturing process is essential for quality control.
  3. For successful data recovery, it's crucial to follow the precise procedure detailed in the system's manual.
  4. The marketing team established new content creation guidelines to ensure brand consistency across all platforms.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) A procedure (d) A guideline could also be considered, but 'detailed, step-by-step instruction' most accurately defines 'procedure'.
  2. b) The established procedure, e) The nursing protocol (Both are correct as a protocol often contains detailed procedures, and adherence to specific documented steps for medication is critical).
  3. a) Protocol, c) Procedure (Both terms refer to standardized instructions. 'Procedure' emphasizes the sequential steps, while 'protocol' often implies adherence to an agreed-upon system, especially in scientific or formal contexts.)
  4. c) Policies
  5. c) The process

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The procedure for handling customer complaints needs to be formalized to ensure consistency.
  2. The technician demonstrated the correct procedure for calibrating the equipment.
  3. Adhering to the established protocols is vital for workplace safety.

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