as we were instructed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as we were instructed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to actions or tasks that were directed or guided by someone else's instructions. Example: "We completed the project as we were instructed by our supervisor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Right, because we drive exactly as we were instructed during our Driver Education programs, right?

TechCrunch

We waited as we were instructed.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Yet they give the impression to borrowers that their case has been escalated to a third party, using legal language such as "We are instructed by our client" and "We are likely to be instructed to commence court proceedings".

The Guardian - Money

Text projections and taped testimonies relate some of the more negative aspects of Army life, and yet, as we're instructed in the meanings of the folding of the American flag, there are occasional glimpses of some of the honorable ideals in the armed forces.

The New York Times - Arts

Update: In a statement, Amazon added: "We are ready to distribute the court-mandated settlement funds to Kindle customers as soon as we're instructed to move forward".

TechCrunch

"But, at the moment, and as things currently stand, we proceed in good faith, we do as we are instructed and we are leaving the European Union". While the result of the referendum means the UK must leave, she added that "we have to look after the economy which, in my view, means that we don't go very far".

BBC

"As the room reached occupancy, we were instructed to close the room".

The New York Times

As we were about to board we were instructed to take a seat in the waiting area.

Forbes

Who wouldn't like being greeted as "gorgeous?" For the dress code, we were instructed to think more weekend brunch, than power lunch.

Huffington Post

When I first started as an FSIS inspector in 1978, we were instructed to make sure that every plant followed prescriptive regulations.

Huffington Post

As Christians we are instructed to be generous, caring, and welcoming.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as we were instructed", ensure the context clearly indicates who provided the instructions and what those instructions entailed. This clarifies the reason behind the action.

Common error

Avoid using "as we were instructed" without specifying who gave the instructions. This can lead to confusion and ambiguity. Instead, specify the source, such as "as we were instructed by the supervisor".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as we were instructed" functions as an adverbial clause of manner, modifying a verb or clause to explain how an action was performed. Ludwig examples show it introduces the manner in which something was done, aligning actions with given directives.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as we were instructed" functions as an adverbial clause indicating that an action was performed according to specific directions. While grammatically correct and generally neutral in register, its frequency is relatively rare. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use across contexts such as news and scientific publications. The source quality is high, reinforcing the reliability of its usage. This phrase provides justification for an action by emphasizing compliance with given guidelines. Alternatives like "according to instructions" or "as directed" offer more concise options. Ensure that the context clarifies the source of instruction to avoid ambiguity. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

according to instructions

This alternative is more concise and directly references the instructions followed.

as directed

This alternative is shorter and implies a more authoritative direction.

as per guidance

This alternative simplifies the sentence structure, using "per" to indicate accordance.

following the guidelines

This alternative suggests adherence to a set of predetermined guidelines rather than specific instructions.

in accordance with the protocol

This alternative stresses following an established protocol.

in compliance with the directives

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes adherence to official directives.

as stipulated

This alternative emphasizes that actions were done because they were specifically required.

pursuant to the orders

This alternative is highly formal and legalistic, emphasizing obedience to explicit orders.

in line with the mandate

This alternative highlights actions taken to fulfill a specific mandate or authorization.

under advisement

This alternative emphasizes that decisions were guided by advice received.

FAQs

How can I use "as we were instructed" in a sentence?

Use "as we were instructed" to explain that an action was performed following someone else's directions. For example, "We submitted the report as we were instructed by the manager".

What's a simpler way to say "as we were instructed"?

You can use phrases like "according to instructions" or "as directed" for a more concise alternative.

Is it always necessary to specify who gave the instructions when using "as we were instructed"?

While not always mandatory, specifying the source of instruction adds clarity and credibility. For instance, "as we were instructed by the doctor" is more informative than "as we were instructed".

What is the difference between "as we were instructed" and "as we understood it"?

"As we were instructed" indicates following direct orders, while "as we understood it" suggests acting based on one's interpretation, which might not be perfectly aligned with the original intent.