by instruction

USAGE SUMMARY

"by instruction" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something was done according to specific instructions or guidance. It can also imply that the person or entity giving the instructions is responsible for the action. Example: "The students completed the assignment by instruction from their teacher."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But now they are guided mainly by instruction sheets.

The New York Times

Figure 2. Time to assemble TV stand by instruction set.

Stanford University

"CHOCOLATE APPRECIATION," chocolate-tasting followed by instruction in buying fine chocolate.

The New York Times - Arts

Possessed of an average hacker's game at the time, I left the campus paralyzed by instruction.

The New York Times - Arts

Music and Dance FAIRFIELD Fairfield Theater Company "Enrique Alarcon Latin Dance Party," a performance followed by instruction.

The New York Times

Baptism in water in the name of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit was preceded by instruction (catechesis) and fasting.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Several non-uniformities in instruction-level parallelism are investigated including variation between benchmark class and by instruction class within benchmark.

Journal of King Saud University - Computer and Information Sciences

In the 1980s, Louisiana passed an infamous "Creationism Act" that prohibited the teaching of evolution unless it was accompanied by instruction in "creation science".

The New York Times

If parents exercised more control over what their children eat, by instruction and involvement in their diet, that would reduce childhood obesity significantly.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"We wanted an instruction-by-instruction DNA for vehicle interiors".

The New York Times

Model operation transformation is executed instruction-by-instruction.

Journal of Cloud Computing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "by instruction", ensure the context clearly indicates who provided the instruction and what the instruction entailed. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the sentence's clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "by instruction" when the action was merely inspired by, but not directly guided by, specific instructions. Use phrases like "inspired by" or "influenced by" instead to accurately reflect the relationship.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by instruction" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate how an action is carried out. It specifies that the action is performed according to a set of rules, guidelines, or commands. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Academia

27%

Science

27%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by instruction" is a versatile and frequently used prepositional phrase indicating that an action is performed according to specific guidelines or commands. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely accepted, as evidenced by its common occurrence across diverse sources, including news media, academic publications, and scientific literature. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, from formal reports to general instructions. Remember to clearly specify the source and nature of the instruction to avoid ambiguity. While alternatives like "as directed" and "following guidelines" exist, "by instruction" provides a direct and effective way to communicate adherence to a prescribed method.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

according to directions

This alternative emphasizes adherence to a set of guidelines, similar to following "by instruction" but highlights the presence of written or explicit instructions.

as directed

This alternative is a shorter, more concise way of saying "by instruction", particularly when the instructions are given by an authority.

following guidelines

This phrase focuses on the act of adhering to a set of principles or recommendations, closely resembling the concept of "by instruction" in a procedural context.

under guidance

This alternative highlights the aspect of supervision or mentorship during the execution, adding a layer of personal oversight that might be absent in a simple instruction.

pursuant to orders

This phrase is more formal and indicates that the action is taken because of a command or directive, often in a military or legal context. It is less versatile than "by instruction".

in accordance with instructions

This is a more verbose and formal way to express "by instruction", emphasizing compliance and agreement with the provided directions.

based on advice

This alternative suggests that actions are taken based on suggestions or counsel, which can be less rigid than a strict instruction.

as per the manual

This implies that the actions are based on a detailed manual, providing a specific and technical tone.

under the direction of

This alternative specifically emphasizes the supervision and leadership during the execution, different than a simple instruction.

as taught

This indicates that the action is performed following a learned method or technique, suggesting a process of education or training.

FAQs

How can I use "by instruction" in a sentence?

You can use "by instruction" to indicate that an action was performed according to specific guidelines. For example, "The device was assembled "according to the manual"." It highlights adherence to a prescribed method.

What are some alternatives to "by instruction"?

Alternatives include phrases like "as directed", "according to directions", or "following guidelines", depending on the context and the level of formality required.

Is it correct to say "done by instruction"?

While grammatically understandable, "done by instruction" is less common than "by instruction". The latter more directly implies that the action was guided or dictated by specific instructions.

What's the difference between "by instruction" and "with guidance"?

"By instruction" emphasizes strict adherence to a set of rules or commands. "With guidance", on the other hand, suggests assistance and oversight, allowing for more flexibility and adaptation than simply following "by direction".