being instructed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being instructed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of receiving guidance or directions from someone. Example: "The students were being instructed on the proper use of laboratory equipment during the safety training session."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This information was confirmed by caretakers, who reported being instructed to administer AL with food but denied receiving instructions that food should be cooked with oil.

BMC Health Services Research

But the disciples rebel at being instructed by a woman.

The New York Times

Several cops remember being instructed to stop arresting looters.

The New York Times - Magazine

I was being instructed by the Maestro himself.

The New Yorker

I was a little boy being instructed in the immutable fact of my own helplessness.

The New Yorker

Thus attired they spend the first few hours being instructed by patient gillies.

The Guardian - Sport

"I don't have a beast inside of me," whimpers Rachel on being instructed to toughen up.

The New York Times

In the L.A. families observed, no child routinely performed household chores without being instructed to.

The New Yorker

You can tell she's not used to being instructed to do anything, especially by him.

The New Yorker

They assume, when they are being instructed by example or inference, that language corresponds fairly directly to experience.

The New Yorker

The season will begin with Tina Fey's Liz Lemon being instructed to audition new cast members for her variety show.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "being instructed", ensure the context clearly indicates who is providing the instruction and what the subject of the instruction is. For instance, "The recruits were being instructed by the sergeant on proper firearm handling."

Common error

Avoid using "being instructed" when an active voice construction would be clearer and more direct. Instead of "The report is being instructed to be written by the team", consider "The team is instructed to write the report".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being instructed" functions as a gerund phrase, often used as part of a passive construction. As evidenced by Ludwig, it describes the state of receiving guidance or directions. The phrase acts as a noun phrase, frequently modifying verbs or serving as a subject complement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "being instructed" is a grammatically correct and frequently used gerund phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig. It primarily functions to describe the state of receiving guidance or education and is commonly found in news, media, and scientific contexts. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is versatile and suitable for various registers, but predominantly leans towards a neutral to formal tone. When writing, ensure the context clearly identifies the instructor and the subject of the instruction to prevent ambiguity. Alternatives such as "receiving instructions" or "being taught" can be used to vary your phrasing while maintaining clarity and accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

receiving instructions

Emphasizes the act of getting instructions, shifting the focus from the process to the receipt.

being guided

Focuses on assistance and support throughout a process.

being taught

Highlights the act of learning or receiving education from someone.

being advised

Stresses the reception of advice or counsel.

getting directions

Focuses on receiving specific directions, often for a task or journey.

being directed

Implies a more formal or authoritative form of instruction.

being coached

Focuses on personalized guidance and mentoring.

being mentored

Highlights a long-term, supportive relationship with a mentor.

undergoing training

Highlights the process of formal training or education.

learning from

Emphasizes the acquisition of knowledge or skills from an external source.

FAQs

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

You can use "being instructed" to describe a situation where someone is receiving guidance or direction. For example, "The new employees were "being instructed" on the company's policies and procedures".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "being instructed"?

Some alternatives include "receiving instructions", "being taught", or "being guided". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "being instructed" or "receiving instruction"?

Both "being instructed" and "receiving instruction" are grammatically correct. "Being instructed" emphasizes the process, while "receiving instruction" focuses on the act of receiving. The choice depends on the desired emphasis.

What's the difference between "being instructed" and "being ordered"?

"Being instructed" implies guidance and teaching, while "being ordered" implies a command or directive. "Being instructed" is generally less forceful and more focused on learning.