I instructed him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I instructed him" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to convey that you gave someone specific directions or guidance. Example: "After reviewing the project requirements, I instructed him on how to proceed with the next steps."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"This," I instructed him, "is how you take clothes to the cleaner".

The New York Times

I instructed him that he should never, ever again make any financial decision.

Forbes

Specifically, I instructed him to start lowering his head in his next meeting, very slowly, by leaning back in his chair and sliding down surreptitiously.

Forbes

I instructed him to do this exercise after he prayed and any other time he felt fear, panic or negativity rising up.

Huffington Post

In fact, one cab driver didn't even know that the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics had a campus for foreign students, so when I instructed him to go to my campus, he gave me an incredulous look, asked why, and asked if I had a boyfriend at my campus.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

I simply instructed him about what programmings I needed.

The Guardian - Music

After 15 minutes, I excused myself and had my secretary call him out and instruct him not to come back.

Forbes

"I never instructed him to do anything illegal".

Huffington Post

On the Saturday afternoon, I was instructed to wait for him outside the hotel.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Treat me as though I were dead," she instructed him.

The New York Times - Books

Then I turned to another tablemate and instructed him to order the nightly pasta special.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I instructed him", ensure the context clearly indicates the nature of the instructions given. Be specific to enhance clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid phrasing like "He was instructed by me" when the active voice ("I instructed him") is more direct and concise. Using the active voice enhances clarity and readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I instructed him" functions as a declarative statement where the speaker is conveying their action of giving instructions to another person. This is confirmed by Ludwig's analysis, which identifies the phrase as grammatically sound and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I instructed him" is a grammatically correct and understandable way to convey that you provided someone with specific directions or guidance. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. Although relatively rare in occurrence, the phrase appears primarily in news and media contexts, maintaining a neutral tone suitable for professional communication. While there are many alternatives such as "I directed him" or "I guided him", the specific choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I directed him

This alternative is a direct synonym, emphasizing the act of pointing someone towards a specific course of action.

I gave him instructions

This alternative uses a noun phrase to convey the act of providing guidance.

I guided him

This alternative suggests a more supportive and hands-on approach to directing someone.

I gave him directions

This alternative is a direct synonym, about how to get to somewhere.

I advised him

This alternative focuses on offering recommendations rather than commands.

I briefed him

This alternative suggests a concise and informative set of directions.

I told him what to do

This alternative is a more straightforward and less formal way of expressing the same idea.

I showed him how

This alternative emphasizes the act of demonstrating or teaching a process.

I ordered him

This alternative implies a more authoritative and commanding tone.

I laid out the plan for him

This alternative is about detailing a complete plan for him.

FAQs

What does "I instructed him" mean?

The phrase "I instructed him" means that you gave someone specific directions or guidance on how to do something.

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

You can use alternatives like "I directed him", "I guided him", or "I advised him" depending on the context.

Is "I instructed him" formal or informal?

The phrase "I instructed him" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

How to use "I instructed him" in a sentence?

You can use "I instructed him" in a sentence like this: "After reviewing the project requirements, I instructed him on how to proceed with the next steps."