are instructed to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are instructed to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate when someone is receiving instructions, either from someone else or from a larger entity such as a government or court. For example: "The workers are instructed to start at 8am every day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Doctors are instructed to remain wary of any new technology.

The New Yorker

The seconds are instructed to bring out their part.

The Guardian - Music

Employees are instructed to "defer judgment" and "go for quantity".

The New Yorker

Debris teams are instructed to notify federal authorities immediately.

The New York Times

Girls are instructed to "land softly," or "like a spring".

The New York Times - Magazine

Musicians with portable instruments are instructed to move about freely.

The New Yorker

You are instructed to go watch it right now.

The New Yorker

They are instructed to abide by those limits," he said.

The Guardian

They are instructed to inform the nearest adult immediately.

The New York Times

Instead they are instructed to use the royal "we".

The New York Times

The musicians are instructed to repeat every sound, tone and nuance they hear in their headsets.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are instructed to", ensure the context clearly indicates who is giving the instructions and who is receiving them to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "is instructed to" when referring to multiple subjects; ensure subject-verb agreement by using "are instructed to" for plural subjects and "is instructed to" for singular subjects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are instructed to" functions as a passive voice construction indicating that someone is receiving directions or commands. Ludwig's examples show its versatility across different subjects and contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are instructed to" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that indicates someone has received directions or commands. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is versatile across various contexts, especially in News & Media and Science. When writing, ensure subject-verb agreement and that the context clearly shows who is giving instructions. While alternatives like "are directed to" or "are advised to" exist, the choice depends on the level of formality and authority you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are directed to

Implies a formal command or order, similar to "are instructed to" but can suggest a higher level of authority.

are required to

Indicates a mandatory action, often due to a rule or regulation. Places more emphasis on the necessity of the action.

are ordered to

Implies a forceful and direct command, often from a position of authority. More authoritative tone.

are commanded to

Similar to 'are ordered to' but often carries a more formal or military connotation, suggesting strict adherence to orders.

are advised to

Suggests a recommendation or guidance rather than a strict command. Offers a suggestion without the force of an instruction.

are obligated to

Emphasizes a legal or moral duty to perform an action. Highlights the obligation.

have been told to

More informal, suggesting information passed on rather than a formal directive. Less formal tone.

are expected to

Highlights an anticipation or expectation of certain actions. Focuses on expectations.

must

Expresses necessity or obligation in a direct and concise manner. More concise.

should

Indicates a recommendation or soft obligation, less forceful than "are instructed to". Suggests a course of action.

FAQs

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

Use "are instructed to" to indicate that someone has been given directions or orders. For example, "The soldiers "are instructed to" patrol the perimeter."

What is a more formal way of saying "are instructed to"?

More formal alternatives include "are directed to", "are required to", or "are commanded to", depending on the context.

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

"Are instructed to" implies a command or order, while "are advised to" suggests a recommendation. The former carries more authority.

Is it correct to say "is instructed to" instead of "are instructed to"?

Use "is instructed to" for singular subjects (e.g., "He is instructed to...") and "are instructed to" for plural subjects (e.g., "They "are instructed to"...").