are being instructed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are being instructed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where individuals are currently receiving instructions or guidance. Example: "The students are being instructed on the proper use of laboratory equipment during the safety training session."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

They assume, when they are being instructed by example or inference, that language corresponds fairly directly to experience.

The New Yorker

If they don't arrive, judges are being instructed to let voters fill out makeshift ballots on plain paper.

The Washington Post

Commanders are being instructed on how to identify the telltale signs of suicidal behavior as an early-warning system.

The New York Times

Nauru contractors told Guardian Australia that staff are being instructed not to engage with any asylum seekers taking part in the protests.

The Guardian

Here's the new policy: "Screeners are being instructed to encourage passengers to remove their shoes and submit them for X-ray examination.

The New York Times

The NHS, councils, defence and other departments are being instructed to shed land and to switch the proceeds to plug current deficits.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

I was being instructed by the Maestro himself.

The New Yorker

One insider said bankers were being instructed to make multimillion-euro transfers daily.

The Guardian

It strikes me that I am being instructed in the principles of interior design by one of the Avengers.

The Guardian - Film

Some analysts on Friday concluded that General Gerasimov was being instructed to accept outdated Russian-made weaponry.

The New York Times

Scrolling through the series, I tried to remember where, exactly, I had tasted any of the items I was being instructed to cook.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Choose alternatives like "are being taught" or "are being trained" if the focus is more on the learning or practical application aspect.

Common error

Avoid using "are being instructed" to describe a past event unless you specifically want to convey that the instruction was ongoing at that time. Use "were instructed" for completed instructions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are being instructed" functions as the passive voice of the verb "instruct". It indicates that the subject is receiving instructions, rather than giving them. This is supported by examples from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are being instructed" is a grammatically correct and commonly used passive verb phrase that indicates an ongoing process of receiving instructions or guidance. According to Ludwig, this phrase functions to convey information about the current state of being taught and is typically found in neutral registers, making it suitable for news, academic writing, and general communication. While various alternatives exist, such as "are being taught" and "are being trained", it's important to consider the specific context and desired emphasis when choosing the most appropriate phrase. Remember to use "were being instructed" when referring to a past ongoing action. Keep in mind that the phrase "are being instructed" is used to describe a situation where individuals are currently receiving instructions or guidance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are being taught

Focuses more on the learning aspect rather than the act of giving instructions.

are being trained

Implies a more practical and hands-on learning experience.

are being directed

Suggests a more authoritative and controlling form of guidance.

are being guided

Emphasizes support and assistance in navigating a process.

are receiving guidance

Highlights the act of obtaining advice and direction.

are getting instructions

A more informal way of saying that someone is receiving directions.

are being coached

Suggests personalized and intensive instruction.

are being mentored

Implies a long-term, supportive relationship with an experienced individual.

are under instruction

A more formal and concise way of saying that someone is being taught.

are being lectured

Suggests a formal teaching setting with a one-way communication flow.

FAQs

How can I use "are being instructed" in a sentence?

Use "are being instructed" to indicate that individuals are currently receiving instructions or guidance. For example, "The new recruits are being instructed on safety procedures."

What phrases are similar to "are being instructed"?

Similar phrases include "are being taught", "are being trained", or "are being directed", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "are being instructed" or "are instructed"?

"Are instructed" implies a general state or a fact, while "are being instructed" indicates a current action or process of receiving instructions. The choice depends on the intended meaning.

When should I use "are being instructed" versus "were being instructed"?

Use "are being instructed" for present continuous tense, indicating an ongoing action. Use "were being instructed" for past continuous tense, indicating an action that was happening in the past.