at their instigation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at their instigation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that an action was prompted or encouraged by someone else, often implying a sense of manipulation or influence. Example: "The committee decided to take action at their instigation, believing it was necessary for the project's success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"That was at their instigation.

The Guardian

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

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is at their instigation that the family now owns about 150 Hirst pieces.

The New York Times - Magazine

This subtheme describes how young people tried or would like to stop their tics at their instigation.

BMC Psychiatry

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"We are aware that Ticketus has also been, at their own instigation, in parallel discussion with one of the other bidders over the last few weeks and it remains to be seen whether these discussions will be taken forward".

BBC

Jews are known for their wanderings, even if those have not always been at their own instigation, and one of the most sweeping chronicles of their migrations has been stored at the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, a relief and rescue organization that is almost 100 years old.

The New York Times

In France, the feminist campaigning group Ni Putes Ni Soumises has argued that some niqab wearers will welcome tomorrow's ban because they wear the facial veil unwillingly, at the instigation of their husbands.

The Guardian - Opinion

Her parents, nicknamed 'Ernie' and 'Ducky,' were first cousins who married at the instigation of their common grandmother, Queen Victoria.

Wikipedia

Anna Maria Luisa arranged a marriage for her younger brother at the instigation of their father: On 2 July 1697 Gian Gastone de' Medici married Anna Maria Franziska of Saxe-Lauenburg, heiress of the eponymous duchy, in Düsseldorf.

Wikipedia

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

The mythography Bibliotheca (1st or 2nd century ad; Library) related that Peleus and Telamon, at the instigation of Endeis, their mother, plotted Phocus's death, drawing lots to decide which should destroy him.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at their instigation" when you want to emphasize that someone else initiated or prompted an action, often implying a degree of influence or even manipulation.

Common error

Avoid using "at their instigation" when the action was merely suggested or supported. This phrase implies a stronger degree of influence or direct prompting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at their instigation" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun, indicating the cause or impetus behind an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and usable phrase in written English. The examples show how it specifies who or what prompted the action.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at their instigation" correctly indicates that an action was prompted or initiated by someone. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and usability. While its frequency is relatively rare, the phrase appears across diverse sources, including news, encyclopedias, and science publications, suggesting a neutral to formal tone. To ensure proper usage, remember that this phrase implies a stronger level of influence rather than mere suggestion. Consider alternatives like "at their urging" or "at their suggestion" to avoid overstating the level of influence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at their urging

Emphasizes encouragement or persuasion as the driving force.

at their prompting

Highlights the act of suggesting or reminding to trigger an action.

at their suggestion

Indicates that the action followed advice or a proposed idea.

at their encouragement

Focuses on the positive support and motivation provided.

at their direction

Suggests a more authoritative or instructional influence.

on their advice

Highlights the reliance on their guidance and expertise.

at their request

Emphasizes a formal appeal or demand that was followed.

by their initiative

Attributes the action to their proactive role in starting it.

due to their influence

Focuses on the power they exerted to bring about the action.

because of their lead

Indicates that the action followed their example or guidance.

FAQs

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

Use "at their instigation" to indicate that an action was initiated or prompted by someone else. For example: "The project was started "at their instigation", after they presented their proposal."

What are some alternatives to "at their instigation"?

You can use alternatives like "at their urging", "at their suggestion", or "at their prompting" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "on their instigation" instead of "at their instigation"?

"At their instigation" is the more common and accepted phrase. "On their instigation" is less frequently used and may sound awkward to some readers.

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

"At their instigation" implies a proactive role in initiating an action, while "at their request" simply means the action was done because they asked for it, without necessarily initiating it.