I was instructed to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was instructed to" is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase is typically used when somebody has been given specific instructions or directions by someone else. For example, "My boss instructed me to complete the report by noon today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"I was instructed to stop shooting".

The New Yorker

I was instructed to stop.

The New York Times - Style

"I'm just doing what I was instructed to do".

The New York Times

I was instructed to rendezvous at a distant church.

The Guardian - Opinion

I was instructed to update to Firefox 5 and so I did.

The New York Times

I was instructed to find A+ blood-type donors to supply blood for transfusion during surgery.

The New York Times

Assange rarely allows visitors to carry electronics, so I was instructed to turn over my phone.

The New Yorker

I was instructed to take off my shirt and lie on my stomach.

The New York Times - Magazine

Two minutes after I started the first drawing, I was instructed to try again.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I was instructed to come here and leave a positive review.

The Guardian - Books

Instead, I was instructed to leave my name and number and a brief description of my problem.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "I was instructed to" with a specific action verb to provide clarity about what you were asked to do.

Common error

Avoid using "I was instructed to" when someone merely suggested an action. "Instructed" implies a degree of authority and obligation, while "suggested" indicates a recommendation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was instructed to" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject ('I') received a directive or command. This contrasts with an active construction where the subject performs the action. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where the phrase introduces an action the speaker was directed to perform.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was instructed to" is a common and grammatically correct passive construction used to convey that an action was performed under direction or command. Ludwig AI confirms this through many examples. Its usage is most frequent in News & Media, indicating a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure that you are accurately representing the level of authority behind the direction. Consider alternative phrases like "I was directed to" or "I was ordered to" to fine-tune the nuance of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I received instructions to

Replaces "instructed" with "received instructions", emphasizing the reception of directions.

I was directed to

Substitutes "instructed" with "directed", indicating guidance toward a specific action.

I was ordered to

Replaces "instructed" with "ordered", suggesting a more authoritative command.

I had been told to

Uses a more informal phrasing with "told", indicating information received rather than a strict order.

My instructions were to

Changes the sentence structure to focus on the instructions themselves.

I was given the task to

Highlights the assignment of a task alongside the instruction.

It was my duty to

Indicates an obligation or responsibility to perform the action.

I was assigned to

Focuses on the assignment aspect, suggesting a formal allocation of responsibility.

I was charged with

Emphasizes the responsibility and accountability associated with the task.

I understood that I should

Indicates an understanding or expectation to perform the action, rather than a direct instruction.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "I was instructed to" in formal writing?

For formal contexts, consider alternatives like "I was directed to", "I received instructions to", or "I was ordered to". These options maintain a professional tone while conveying the same meaning.

What's the difference between "I was instructed to" and "I was advised to"?

"I was instructed to" implies a command or a directive from someone in authority, whereas "I was advised to" suggests a recommendation or suggestion. The former carries more weight and obligation.

Is "I was instructed to" passive voice?

Yes, "I was instructed to" is in the passive voice. The active voice equivalent would be "Someone instructed me to". Using the passive voice emphasizes the action received rather than the actor.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when using "I was instructed to"?

A common mistake is using "I was instructed to" when a simple suggestion was made. Ensure the context involves a clear directive or order. Also, avoid ambiguity by clearly stating what action "I was instructed to perform".