be instructed by a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be instructed by a" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone should receive guidance or direction from a specific source or person. Example: "Students are encouraged to be instructed by a qualified teacher to enhance their learning experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

In France, though, Rabelais portrayed saints as fools, and coined the phrase: "The wise may be instructed by a fool".

The Guardian

Moreover, the U.N. should establish a clear policy to the effect that its international police force may be instructed by a majority vote to intervene in the internal affairs of any country when justified to save its population from serious harm from that country's own government.

The New York Times

The InChI algorithm may be instructed, by a software switch, to add to the identifier a "reconnected" layer that contains all bonds given in the input structures, including those to metal.

Journal of Cheminformatics

Too often, the only time a student (if ever) will be instructed by a Black faculty member is if they take a course in Africana studies or something of the like, further perpetuating racialized notions students (as well as faculty and administration) may hold.

Huffington Post

The herdsmen must however be instructed by a veterinarian before being allowed to administer local anaesthesia.

Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Rules for each trial can be instructed by an explicit cue (Meiran 1996), as in our study, or can follow some regular pattern of repetition and alternation (Rogers and Monsell 1995).

Cerebral Cortex

The patients were instructed by a pain specialist nurse using standard French language instructions on how to use the Faces Pain Scale - Revised [ 13] as shown at http://www.painsourcebook.ca.ca

BMC Pediatrics

But the disciples rebel at being instructed by a woman.

The New York Times

You are instructed by a hollow-cheeked, betel-nut-spitting, possibly tubercular teacher.

The New Yorker

He is instructed by a wise if cautious fox, and by a sinister angel of death, the snake.

The New Yorker

Mr. Simpson had been instructed by a justice of the peace not to have contact with anyone involved in the case — not even by "carrier pigeon".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be instructed by a", ensure the context clearly identifies who or what is providing the instruction. This clarity enhances the sentence's overall meaning and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "be instructed by a" excessively, as it can lead to a passive voice that weakens your writing. Consider using active voice alternatives where appropriate for a more direct and engaging tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be instructed by a" functions primarily as a passive construction, indicating that someone or something is receiving guidance or direction. Ludwig's examples show how it is used to express that a subject is under the influence of an instructor.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

32%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be instructed by a" is a grammatically correct passive construction used to indicate the act of receiving instruction or guidance. Ludwig AI validates its usability across various contexts, as demonstrated by the examples provided. While "be instructed by a" is generally suitable for neutral and formal settings, it's essential to be mindful of overusing passive voice, as this can weaken writing. Consider active alternatives for a more direct and engaging tone. Related phrases like "be taught by" or "receive guidance from" can provide subtle variations in meaning. Ultimately, the key to effectively using "be instructed by a" lies in ensuring clarity and context within your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be taught by

Focuses more on the act of teaching, replacing "instructed" with a simpler term.

receive guidance from

Emphasizes the act of getting guidance, rather than a formal instructional setting.

be trained by

Highlights structured training, often for a specific purpose or role.

be educated by

Indicates a formal educational setting or process.

be mentored by

Suggests a longer-term, more personal relationship of instruction.

be coached by

Implies instruction in a specific skill or activity.

learn from

Focuses on the act of learning, with the source being a facilitator.

be advised by

Highlights the act of receiving advice, which is less structured than instruction.

be directed by

Focuses on providing specific directions or orders, rather than broader instruction.

be supervised by

Emphasizes oversight and control, with instruction as a secondary aspect.

FAQs

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

You can use "be instructed by a" to indicate that someone is receiving guidance or teaching from a particular person or source. For instance, "The students "were instructed by a professor".".

What are some alternatives to "be instructed by a"?

Alternatives include "be taught by", "receive guidance from", or "be mentored by", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "be instructed by a" and "be taught by a"?

While similar, "be instructed by a" often implies a more formal or structured learning environment, whereas "be taught by a" can be more general and encompass both formal and informal learning situations.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "be instructed by a"?

While "be instructed by a" is in the passive voice, consider using the active voice when possible for more direct and engaging writing. For example, instead of "The students were instructed by a teacher", you could say "A teacher instructed the students".