have been instructed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been instructed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone has received guidance or orders in the past and that this instruction is still relevant or applicable. Example: "The team members have been instructed to complete the project by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Muslims have been instructed to dismantle mosques themselves, he added.

The Guardian

International flights to Kathmandu have been instructed to refuel elsewhere.

The Guardian

Our military have been instructed 2 get on it!

The Guardian

"I have been instructed by Washington not to do so any more". he said.

The New York Times

The actors have been instructed to hold onto two people at all times.

The New York Times

Party officials have been instructed to contact the Treasury to make the necessary arrangements.

The Guardian

Some workers at the larger facilities have been instructed to stage sit-ins, he said.

The New York Times

Homeowners have been instructed to stop burning wood in their fireplaces.

The New York Times

His lawyers have been instructed to consider legal action against the police.

The Guardian

Red Sox players have been instructed not to complain about jet lag.

The New York Times - Sports

I can't imagine he would have been instructed to hide by his parents".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have been instructed", ensure the context clearly indicates who gave the instruction and the specific action or information being conveyed. Clarity is key for effective communication.

Common error

Overusing passive voice can make your writing sound vague. While "have been instructed" is a valid passive construction, consider rephrasing to active voice when appropriate for a more direct and impactful statement. For example, instead of "Employees have been instructed to attend the meeting", try "The manager instructed employees to attend the meeting".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been instructed" functions as a passive construction indicating that someone has received specific directions or commands. As noted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is both correct and frequently used, signaling that the subject is the recipient of an action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Formal & Business

23%

Science

13%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have been instructed" is a common and grammatically correct passive construction used to indicate that someone has received specific directions or commands. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent usage across various contexts. It serves the purpose of conveying that actions are being carried out under specific guidance. While it is suitable for neutral and professional registers, it's important to consider whether using the active voice would make the writing more direct. This phrase appears most frequently in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Scientific sources. Remember to clearly state who gave the instructions for maximum clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were commanded

Indicates a strong, authoritative instruction, often implying a higher power or position.

were directed

Emphasizes a more formal or official instruction, suggesting a clear direction given.

received orders

Highlights the hierarchical nature of the instruction, often used in military or structured environments.

were briefed

Implies a formal and detailed explanation or set of instructions, often before a specific event or task.

were told

A more informal and general way of saying someone received information or directions.

were advised

Suggests a recommendation or guidance, rather than a strict command.

were tasked

Focuses on the assignment of a specific duty or responsibility.

were charged with

Similar to 'tasked', but often carries a sense of urgency or importance.

were given guidance

Emphasizes the supportive nature of the instruction, focusing on helping someone understand how to proceed.

were schooled

This implies they not only received instructions, but were also taught the reasoning and details behind them.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "have been instructed" to sound more direct?

You can replace "have been instructed" with phrases like "were told", "were directed", or "were commanded" to make the sentence more direct. For example, instead of "They "have been instructed" to leave", you could say "They "were told" to leave".

What's the difference between "have been instructed" and "have been advised"?

"Have been instructed" implies a direct order or command, while "have been advised" suggests a recommendation or suggestion. If someone "have been instructed", they are expected to follow the direction. If they "have been advised", they have the option to consider the suggestion.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "have been instructed"?

While "have been instructed" is in the passive voice, it's grammatically correct. However, using the active voice can often make your writing more direct and engaging. For example, instead of "The students "have been instructed" to read the chapter", you could say "The teacher instructed the students to read the chapter".

What are some formal alternatives to "have been instructed"?

Formal alternatives include "were directed", "were commanded", or "were ordered". These phrases emphasize the authority behind the instruction. For instance, "The soldiers "have been instructed" to stand guard" could be rephrased as "The soldiers "were ordered" to stand guard".