I am instructed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'I am instructed' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are relaying instructions or reporting something you have been instructed to do. For example: "I am instructed to inform you that the meeting has been cancelled."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Hand signals, I am instructed, are critical in the jungle.

The New York Times - Magazine

Afterwards, I am instructed never to disclose the address of Rowling's Edinburgh office where the interview will take place.

The Guardian - Books

Qwabe's lawyer, Thabo Nogemane, said: "I am instructed that some unknown police officer assaulted him by means of a big torch.

The Guardian

"I am instructed by Her Majesty's Government of the United Kingdom to warn you that if you do not respond immediately to my orders, you will be shot down," the voice on the recording says.

Independent

Alan Falk, a lawyer for the federation, wrote the four team members on Nov. 6, "I am instructed to press for greater sanction against anyone who rejects this compromise offer".

The New York Times - Arts

One of the weakest links in my defense is that when I pay my credit card bills, I am instructed to write my credit card number on my payment check, thus providing any would-be identity thief with my bank account number, credit card number and name.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Because I am instructing him".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I am instructing the security forces to rigorously enforce the law to the letter and bring this ugly situation under immediate control".

The Guardian

"I am instructing my administration to embrace the budding commercial space industry," Trump said.

TechCrunch

That's why I am instructing my Administration to get to work immediately with Congress on this issue.

Huffington Post

"I was instructed to stop shooting".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I am instructed", ensure the context clearly indicates who provided the instructions and the nature of those instructions to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "I am instructed" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or even pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "I was told" or "I was asked" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I am instructed" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject (I) is receiving an action (instruction). As Ludwig AI points out, it is generally used to convey that one is acting under orders or directions given by someone else.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I am instructed" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression in the English language. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is particularly suited for formal and professional contexts where conveying adherence to specific orders or directions is important. Its use is prevalent in news and media, as well as business settings. While highly appropriate in these environments, it should be used judiciously in more casual settings to avoid sounding overly formal. Alternatives such as "I was told" or "I was asked" may be more suitable for informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I have been directed

Uses a different verb ("directed" instead of "instructed") to convey a similar meaning of being told what to do.

I have received instructions

Rephrases the sentence to emphasize the receipt of instructions rather than the act of being instructed.

I was ordered

Replaces "instructed" with "ordered", implying a more forceful or mandatory direction.

I was told

Uses a simpler and more informal phrasing to indicate having received information or direction.

I am required

Indicates an obligation or necessity to perform an action, similar to being instructed.

It is my understanding that I should

Emphasizes understanding and obligation based on implied or received instructions.

My understanding is that I am to

Highlights the personal understanding of the speaker regarding the instructions received.

I am under orders

Conveys a sense of duty and compliance with explicit commands or instructions.

I am obliged

Focuses on the feeling of being bound by duty or instruction.

I am expected

Implies that there is an anticipation or expectation for the speaker to act in a certain way.

FAQs

What does "I am instructed" mean?

The phrase "I am instructed" indicates that someone has given you specific orders or directions that you are expected to follow. It implies that your actions are based on someone else's command or guidance.

When is it appropriate to use "I am instructed"?

It's appropriate to use "I am instructed" in formal or professional contexts where you need to convey that you are acting under specific orders. This includes legal settings, official reports, or when communicating with superiors. It's generally not suitable for informal conversations.

What can I say instead of "I am instructed"?

You can use alternatives like "I was told", "I was directed", or "I was ordered" depending on the level of formality and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "I am instructed by" the same as "I am instructed to"?

While both phrases indicate you are following instructions, "I am instructed by" emphasizes the source of the instruction, whereas "I am instructed to" emphasizes the action you are directed to perform. For example, "I am instructed by my manager" focuses on who gave the instruction, while "I am instructed to submit the report" focuses on what you must do.