a simple instruction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a simple instruction" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an easy or straightforward directive that someone can follow without difficulty. Example: "Please follow a simple instruction: turn off the lights when you leave the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

After the government ceremony, Marzouki gave the new cabinet a simple instruction: "To work, to work, to work".

Independent

But Beatrice Welles and her advisers have contended that the words were a simple instruction to place the valuable item out of harm's way.

The New York Times

Near the end of the hour, an e-mail arrived on the BlackBerrys of all the show's producers, with a simple instruction: "Don't leave".

The New Yorker

Earlier, pacing down the sun-drenched 18th fairway, Day's caddie and mentor, Col Swatton, issued a simple instruction: "Enjoy this, mate".

The Guardian - Sport

As Halladay walked across the outfield to the bullpen before Wednesday's game, his pitching coach, Rich Dubee, gave him a simple instruction.

The New York Times - Sports

Despite numerous assurances, the student returned to school the following day and, after a simple instruction to remove her coat, launched into a blazing rant about how her dad said the school had it in for her.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

We begin by simulating experimental data taken from a simple instruction-following task, in which participants have different expectations about their interaction partner.

New Ideas in Psychology

The only requirement would be to specify that the operation is to be off-loaded to the custom instructions with a simple command.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

This work proposes an innovative language, the 'Base Numerical Control Language (BNCL),' which is based on a low-level simple instruction set-like approach.

Computers & Industrial Engineering

It is not, for example, a guide offering a few simple instructions that guarantee, if diligently followed, to turn me into somebody else - someone thinner, happier, richer, tidier, sexier and more spiritual.

The Guardian

You'll have to connect your iOS device to your computer via a USB cable, then follow a few simple instructions to transfer the app to your device.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When giving "a simple instruction", ensure it is direct and leaves no room for misinterpretation. Clarity is key to effective communication.

Common error

Avoid adding unnecessary details or steps to "a simple instruction". Keep it concise and focused on the essential action to be taken.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a simple instruction" functions as a noun phrase acting as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig provides examples across different domains illustrating its usage in various contexts, from giving directions to setting expectations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

41%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a simple instruction" is a noun phrase that functions to describe an easily understood and followed directive. It's grammatically correct and appears most frequently in News & Media and Scientific contexts. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and offers practical examples. When using this phrase, it's best to ensure clarity and avoid overcomplication. Alternatives like ""a basic command"" or ""a clear direction"" can be used depending on the desired nuance. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for diverse communication scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a basic command

Replaces "instruction" with "command", suggesting a more direct order.

a clear direction

Substitutes "simple" with "clear" and "instruction" with "direction", emphasizing ease of understanding.

a straightforward directive

Uses "straightforward directive" to highlight the uncomplicated nature of the guidance.

an easy guideline

Replaces "instruction" with "guideline", softening the tone and suggesting a less strict approach.

a concise order

Focuses on brevity and directness by using "concise order".

a plain requirement

Emphasizes the lack of complexity in the requirement.

a short briefing

Suggests a brief explanation or set of directions.

a minimal requirement

Highlights that the requirement is the smallest that is needed to achieve a goal.

a rudimentary task

Focuses on the basic nature of the task to be performed.

a fundamental principle

Replaces “instruction” with “principle”, shifting focus to the underlying rule.

FAQs

How can I use "a simple instruction" in a sentence?

You can use "a simple instruction" to describe an easy-to-follow directive, as in, "The manual provided "a simple instruction" on assembling the device".

What are some alternatives to "a simple instruction"?

Alternatives to "a simple instruction" include "a basic command", "a clear direction", or "a straightforward directive", depending on the context.

Is it better to give "a simple instruction" or a detailed explanation?

Whether to give "a simple instruction" or a detailed explanation depends on the audience and the complexity of the task. For routine tasks, "a simple instruction" may suffice. For complex tasks, a detailed explanation might be necessary.

How does "a simple instruction" differ from a complex one?

"A simple instruction" is easy to understand and execute, while a complex instruction involves multiple steps or requires specialized knowledge. The goal of "a simple instruction" is to provide a clear and direct course of action.