as they instructed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as they instructed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to following directions or guidance given by someone else. Example: "I completed the project as they instructed, ensuring all requirements were met."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"We must pick up the argument that they began and do as they instructed — use our reason to determine our views".

The New York Times - Books

They wore white lab coats and carried clipboards as they instructed us to examine poems by William Carlos Williams as if they were patients in need of care.

The New Yorker

They told me that the loss of battery power when parked overnight could be restored by properly "conditioning" the battery, a half-hour process, which I undertook by sitting in the car with the heat on low, as they instructed.

The New York Times

However, the hometown effect was always in the back of everyone's mind, particularly in Fury's corner as they instructed their boxer to take the decision out of the judges hands with a knockout.

Independent

They are expected to do as they are told, feel as they instructed and identify as they've been taught over the course of a lifetime, in one dimensional tones of subservience.

Huffington Post

However, we could not control the consistency and responses of every mentor as they instructed the students.

BMC Medical Education

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"Say I'm very fine, I'm very busy, things are crazy here, if you could only know," she tells the dancers in a mournful voice, as they instruct one another in such physically daunting tasks as rubbing their tummies while patting their heads.

The New York Times - Arts

And he does all this, just as they instruct him to.

Vice

They would also be able to ask questions of the operator or simply listen to s/he as they instruct on anatomy and tips to performing the procedure.

Huffington Post

Faculty members fear that clinical educators may instruct nursing students as they instruct novice nurses.

BMC Nursing

Many guidelines tend to encourage the interpretation of seriousness simply based on duration, as they instruct GPs to pursue symptoms and signs lasting for more than a predefined interval [ 16].

BMC Family Practice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone and formality of your writing. While generally acceptable, this phrase may be replaced with more formal or informal alternatives depending on the audience.

Common error

Avoid using "as they instructed" when the instructions were actually self-initiated or derived from a different source. Make sure the instructions are clearly attributable to the referenced "they".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as they instructed" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by indicating the manner in which an action was performed. Ludwig AI examples show it commonly introduces a clause specifying adherence to previously given directions or commands.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

43%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as they instructed" is a grammatically sound and usable English expression that functions as an adverbial phrase indicating adherence to given instructions. According to Ludwig, its usage spans across neutral to formal registers, commonly appearing in news, scientific, and business contexts. While alternatives like "according to their instructions" exist, "as they instructed" maintains a clear and direct way to express compliance with directives. It's important to ensure clarity regarding who "they" refers to for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

according to their instructions

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes adherence to a set of written or explicit guidelines.

following their directions

This option highlights the act of following a specific path or course of action laid out by someone else.

in compliance with their orders

This phrase emphasizes a more hierarchical relationship and strict obedience to commands.

as per their guidance

This suggests a reliance on advice and support rather than strict commands, implying a more collaborative relationship.

in accordance with their specifications

This option focuses on adhering to specific technical requirements or design parameters.

under their tutelage

Implies learning or being mentored, where actions are guided by an expert or teacher.

as they prescribed

This suggests following a specific plan or treatment regimen, often in a medical or therapeutic context.

in line with their recommendations

This option focuses on adopting suggestions and best practices advised by experts or authorities.

pursuant to their directives

This is a more formal and legalistic way of saying that actions were taken in accordance with official instructions.

by their arrangement

This indicates that actions were carried out according to a plan or agreement set up by someone else.

FAQs

How can I use "as they instructed" in a sentence?

Use "as they instructed" to indicate that an action was performed following someone else's directions. For instance, "The students completed the experiment "as they instructed", carefully following each step".

What are some alternatives to "as they instructed"?

Alternatives include "according to their instructions", "following their directions", or "in compliance with their orders", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always necessary to specify who "they" refers to when using "as they instructed"?

While not always grammatically required, specifying who "they" refers to is best practice to maintain clarity. If the context doesn't make it obvious, explicitly naming the individuals or group providing the instructions prevents ambiguity.

What's the difference between "as they instructed" and "as they suggested"?

"As they instructed" implies a more directive relationship where instructions are meant to be followed. "As they suggested", on the other hand, implies a more advisory relationship where the advice or suggestion may or may not be followed.