be instructed not to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be instructed not to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when conveying that someone should receive guidance or orders to refrain from doing something. Example: "All employees must be instructed not to share confidential information outside the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Although the presence of a familiar caregiver is necessary and desirable for assessment of infants < 2 years of age, the parent or other caretaker should be instructed not to interfere with the presentation of stimulus materials, examiner instructions, or the child's behaviors during the test.

Environmental Health Perspectives

"Drivers are afraid we'll be instructed not to say the sponsors' names," said Allen Bestwick, NBC's Nascar announcer.

The New York Times - Sports

You will be instructed not to bring any cards with magnetic stripes (such as credit cards) to the TMS room because TMS pulses may deactivate the cards.

Harvard University

Pharmacists will also be instructed not to allow refills or prescriptions that are telephoned or faxed in, to insure that patients keep in contact with their doctors.

The New York Times

Professor McCormick [178 F.2d 191] thinks that "the jury should be instructed not to go beyond the probable yield" of the performance to the promisee, but he does not consider the burden of proof.

Harvard University

Because the magnet is always on, you will be instructed not to bring any metal objects into the magnet suite, as these objects may become airborne and cause injury.

Harvard University

Because the MEG is always on, you will be instructed not to bring any metal objects into the magnetically shielded room (MSR), as these objects may damage the sensors.

Harvard University

The deeply divided cabinet, which May's own chief whip, Julian Smith, described in a BBC interview on Monday as the "worst example of ill-discipline in cabinet in British political history", will be instructed not to vote.

The Guardian

He confirmed that the authorities would be instructed not to arrest anyone under immunity, the only exception being rebels suspected by the United Nations tribunal in The Hague of committing war crimes.

The New York Times

INSIDE PITCH Jorge Posada will catch for the Yankees in extended spring training Monday in Tampa, Fla. Posada, who is recovering from an inflamed rotator cuff, will be instructed not to throw to second base until Friday or Saturday.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Christians are instructed not to judge others.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be instructed not to", ensure the context clearly indicates who is giving the instruction and who is receiving it for maximum clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "be instructed not to" in casual conversations or informal writing; it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "be told not to" or "should not" in such scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be instructed not to" functions as a passive construction used to convey a prohibition or direction. Ludwig AI indicates this usage is grammatically correct. Examples show it indicating rules or guidelines.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be instructed not to" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive construction that conveys a prohibition or directive. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for formal contexts, notably in scientific and academic writing, news reporting, and official guidelines. While versatile, "be instructed not to" might sound overly formal in casual settings, where simpler alternatives are more appropriate. When using this phrase, clarity is key: ensure the context makes it clear who is giving and receiving the instructions. Keep in mind the many authoritative sources that use this expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be ordered not to

Implies a strong, authoritative command, even more forceful than "be instructed not to".

be forbidden to

Signifies a strict prohibition, carrying a strong sense of being disallowed.

be directed not to

Emphasizes a formal order or command. More direct than "be instructed not to".

are prohibited from

Signifies a formal ban against a specific action.

be required not to

Indicates a rule or necessity, suggesting something is mandatory to avoid.

must not

Expresses a firm prohibition or obligation not to do something. More concise.

are not allowed to

Indicates that permission is withheld for a particular action.

be told not to

A more informal way of expressing a prohibition, lacking the formality of "instructed".

be advised not to

Suggests a recommendation against a certain action, rather than a strict order.

should not

Indicates a recommendation against doing something, less forceful than "be instructed not to".

FAQs

How can I rephrase "be instructed not to" for a less formal tone?

For less formal situations, you can use alternatives such as "be told not to", "should not", or "must not" depending on the specific context and the desired level of emphasis.

What's the difference between "be instructed not to" and "be advised not to"?

"Be instructed not to" implies a formal order or direction, while "be advised not to" suggests a recommendation or suggestion. The former carries more weight and authority.

Is it ever appropriate to use "be instructed not to" in casual conversation?

While grammatically correct, "be instructed not to" is generally too formal for casual conversation. Simpler phrases like "be told not to" or "shouldn't" are usually more appropriate.

How to use "be instructed not to" in a sentence?

Use "be instructed not to" to indicate that someone has received a directive or order to refrain from a specific action. For example, "Participants will be instructed not to change their exercise habits during the study."