diff --git a/guix/scripts/shell.scm b/guix/scripts/shell.scm
index bd62803cb1..7cd7ce78e1 100644
--- a/guix/scripts/shell.scm
+++ b/guix/scripts/shell.scm
@@ -52,8 +52,7 @@ interactive shell in that environment.\n"))
   (display (G_ "
   -D, --development      include the development inputs of the next package"))
   (display (G_ "
-  -f, --file=FILE        create environment for the package that the code within
-                         FILE evaluates to"))
+  -f, --file=FILE        add to the environment the package FILE evaluates to"))
   (display (G_ "
   -q                     inhibit loading of 'guix.scm' and 'manifest.scm'"))
   (display (G_ "