I instruct you

USAGE SUMMARY

"I instruct you" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you are giving someone specific orders or instructions. For example, "I instruct you to take out the trash before dinner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The translators of the New Jewish Publication Society edition of Genesis missed it when they translated Rebekah's echo of God's phrase as, first, "listen carefully as I instruct you," then, "do as I say".

The New York Times - Books

"I was told by one of the executives—I shouldn't say which one—'Francis, Marlon Brando will never appear in this picture, and I instruct you never to bring him up again.' At which point, I fainted onto the floor, as if to say, 'How can I deal with that type of statement?' My 'epileptic fit' was obviously a gag, and they got the point.

The New Yorker

When I instruct you to put your hand on your partner's head, I am delivering some human dao.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

If I instructed you now to form a girlband with two other female artists, who would you choose as the Kellys and Michelles to your Beyoncé?

The Guardian - Music

Nowhere does it instruct you to point and accuse.

Huffington Post

If your choice is b), I must instruct you to leave this column immediately and find something less distressing to read.

Independent

"On behalf of Messrs. Invisible, Non-Existent and Phantom, I hereby instruct you to turn over whatever's left in your mangy, flea-bitten accounts to Wonga CEO Errol Damelin right now.

Vice

by Sharon Levy 1.Twenty-five 1.Twenty-five years agoers,I tried to instruct you in baseballbut Kurt Schwittersstracted, gluIngbitriedd pieces of world historyalongsinstructonal anecdoteinstead of explicating baseball's habits.

The New Yorker

1. Twenty-five yeago ago, Kurt Schwitters, I tried to instruct you in baseball but kept getting distracted, gluing bits and pieces of world history alongside personal anecdote instead of explicating baseball's habits.

The New Yorker

I can't justifiably instruct you to do this, regardless of its moral underpinnings.

The New York Times - Magazine

"If I told you there was a spate of muggings in Hyde Park and to be careful, does that mean I'm instructing you in the art of mugging or does it mean I'm giving you a warning about a practice I've been made aware of?" asks Morgan.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I instruct you" when conveying a formal or authoritative direction, particularly in situations where clarity and compliance are crucial.

Common error

Avoid using "I instruct you" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or even arrogant, making it unsuitable for everyday interactions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I instruct you" functions as a performative utterance, where the act of saying it performs the action of instructing. It directly conveys an order or direction from the speaker to the listener. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in giving specific orders or instructions.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I instruct you" is a formal and authoritative way of giving someone a direct order. While grammatically correct and recognized by Ludwig AI, it is relatively rare in everyday usage, primarily appearing in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. When writing, it's best to reserve this phrase for situations where you need to convey a clear, commanding tone. Alternatives like "I order you" or "I direct you" can be considered for similar, but potentially less forceful, effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I order you

Emphasizes authority and command, suggesting a more forceful directive.

I command you

Conveys a strong sense of authority, often used in formal or dramatic contexts.

I direct you

Implies guidance and supervision, suitable for professional or instructional settings.

I require you

Emphasizes the necessity of compliance with the instruction.

I advise you

Suggests a recommendation or guidance, less forceful than an instruction.

I urge you

Implies a strong request or encouragement, highlighting the importance of the action.

I recommend you

Offers a suggestion based on expertise or experience, less authoritative.

I suggest you

Presents a possibility or course of action for consideration.

I tell you

Is a more direct and straightforward way of giving information, but can sometimes be used to preface an instruction.

I ask you

Framing instruction as a request, softening the commanding tone.

FAQs

What does "I instruct you" mean?

The phrase "I instruct you" means that the speaker is giving someone a specific order or direction that they are expected to follow. It implies authority and is more formal than a simple request.

When is it appropriate to use "I instruct you"?

It's appropriate to use "I instruct you" in situations where you have authority and need to give a clear and formal direction, such as in a professional setting, or when providing official guidance. Avoid using it in casual or informal settings.

What are some alternatives to "I instruct you"?

You can use alternatives like "I order you", "I direct you", or "I advise you" depending on the level of formality and the context of the instruction.

How can I use "I instruct you" in a sentence?

You can use "I instruct you" to give a precise command. For example, "I instruct you to submit the report by the end of the day" or "As your supervisor, I instruct you to follow these safety protocols."