be instructed

USAGE SUMMARY

"be instructed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone has received or is receiving instructions from someone else. For example, "Before starting the experiment, I was instructed to wear protective gloves."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

It will be instructed by.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It will be instructed by N. Choucri.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It will be instructed by M. Dahleh.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

What should it be instructed to do?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It will be instructed by H. Wu.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It will be instructed by C. Burge.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

It is instructed by.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"I was instructed to stop shooting".

The New Yorker

Pupils are instructed mainly in Urdu.

The Economist

Davis was instructed to avoid extreme fatigue.

The New York Times

It is instructed by F. Harris.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be instructed" when you want to emphasize that someone has received specific directions or commands, especially in formal or academic contexts. It highlights the role of the instructor or authority figure.

Common error

Avoid using active voice when the passive voice is more appropriate. For example, instead of writing "The teacher instructed the students", use "The students were instructed by the teacher" to emphasize the students' role as recipients of the instruction.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "be instructed" is to form the passive voice of the verb 'instruct'. It indicates that the subject of the sentence receives the action of being taught or directed. Ludwig's examples show its usage in contexts where someone receives specific directions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Academia

76%

News & Media

20%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be instructed" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase, particularly in academic and formal contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as the passive voice of 'instruct', conveying that someone has received specific directions or teachings. While alternatives like "be taught" or "be directed" exist, the choice depends on the desired nuance. When using "be instructed", ensure the passive voice is appropriate to emphasize the recipient of the instruction. It is important to consider the register, as it leans towards formal and scientific writing, primarily appearing in academic and news-related sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

receive instructions

Focuses on the act of receiving, rather than the state of being directed.

be taught

Emphasizes the educational aspect of receiving instructions.

be directed

Highlights the authoritative nature of the instruction.

be advised

Suggests a more advisory, less mandatory tone.

be guided

Implies a supportive and directional form of instruction.

be trained

Focuses on practical skills and preparation through instruction.

learn from

Shifts the emphasis to the learning process itself.

be educated

Suggests a broader, more comprehensive form of learning.

be shown how to

Highlights the demonstration aspect of the instruction.

be briefed

Implies concise and specific instruction.

FAQs

How can I use "be instructed" in a sentence?

You can use "be instructed" to indicate that someone has received directions or teaching. For example, "The team members were instructed to follow the new protocol" or "He was instructed on the proper use of the equipment".

What is a good alternative to "be instructed"?

Alternatives include phrases like "be taught", "be directed", or "receive instructions", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "be instructed" or "be ordered"?

"Be instructed" is generally less forceful than "be ordered". "Be instructed" implies teaching or guidance, while "be ordered" suggests a command. Choose the phrase that best reflects the nature of the direction given.

What's the difference between "be instructed" and "be advised"?

"Be instructed" implies a more directive form of communication, whereas "be advised" suggests a recommendation or suggestion. If someone is given a mandatory direction, "be instructed" is more appropriate. If they're given a suggestion, use "be advised".