at our instigation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at our instigation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that an action was prompted or initiated by the speaker or their group. Example: "The project was launched at our instigation, leading to significant changes in the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But at our instigation and with our assent, it also herds us into tribes of common thought and shared temperament, amplifying the timeless human tropism toward cliques.

The New York Times

We double-crossed them again after the gulf war, when their forces rose at our instigation and were decimated by Saddam's gunships.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"When we left the church a few years later, mostly at my instigation," Rubio writes, "we did so with gratitude for its considerable contribution to our happiness in those years".

The Guardian

"That was at their instigation.

The Guardian

In July, however, he was assassinated, perhaps at the instigation of Darius.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At their instigation, Ptolemy arranged the murder of his mother, uncle, and brother.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The break-up of Jopling and Taylor-Wood, it is said, was at her instigation.

Independent

One was made a few years ago, at the instigation of Ratu Kitione Vesikula.

The Economist

It was founded by Louis XIV at the instigation of J.-B.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But he did it largely despite, rather than at the instigation of, EU member governments.

The Economist

Nicholas eventually dismissed Polivanov from his ministry at the instigation of the empress, Alexandra.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at our instigation" when you want to clearly indicate that a specific action or event was initiated or prompted by you or your group. It conveys a sense of direct influence and responsibility.

Common error

Avoid using "at our instigation" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or pretentious in settings where simpler alternatives like "we suggested" or "we started" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at our instigation" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating the entity that initiated or prompted a particular action or event. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at our instigation" is a grammatically sound and usable prepositional phrase that signifies the initiation or prompting of an action by a specific entity. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, it is most commonly encountered in neutral to formal contexts, specifically within news and encyclopedic sources. Given its relatively low frequency, simpler alternatives may be preferred in informal settings. Knowing that it's more appropriate to formal register will ensure writers employ it with precision, enhancing clarity and impact in appropriate contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on our initiative

This alternative emphasizes the proactive and self-directed nature of the action.

at our prompting

This suggests a gentle encouragement or suggestion that led to the action.

by our suggestion

This highlights the role of a specific suggestion in triggering the action.

due to our urging

This emphasizes the persistence and strong encouragement behind the action.

on our recommendation

This indicates that the action followed a formal endorsement or advice.

at our behest

This implies a formal command or request that was followed.

at our direction

This emphasizes the guiding or controlling influence over the action.

through our influence

This highlights the power or sway exerted to bring about the action.

as a result of our action

This emphasizes that some action was the starting point that ultimately resulted in an effect.

because we advocated

This highlights active support or promotion for the action that led to its initiation.

FAQs

How can I use "at our instigation" in a sentence?

Use "at our instigation" to indicate that a particular action or process was started or prompted by a group. For example, "The new policy was implemented at our instigation." You can also replace it with alternatives like /s/on+our+initiative or /s/at+our+prompting.

What phrases are similar to "at our instigation"?

Similar phrases include "on our initiative", "at our prompting", "by our suggestion", "due to our urging", and "at our recommendation". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "at our instigation" or "on our instigation"?

While both phrases are understandable, "at our instigation" is the more common and idiomatic choice. "On our instigation" is less frequently used and may sound slightly awkward to some native English speakers.

What is the difference between "at our instigation" and "at our request"?

"At our instigation" implies a more proactive role in initiating or prompting an action, whereas "at our request" simply indicates that something was done because we asked for it. Instigation suggests a stronger degree of influence. You can also replace it with alternatives like /s/at+our+request or /s/at+our+insistence.