he received instruction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he received instruction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone who has been given guidance or teaching on a particular subject or skill. Example: "After he received instruction on the new software, he was able to complete his tasks more efficiently."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

As part of his assignment to the Army Specialized Training Program, he received instruction at the Virginia Military Institute.

Encyclopedia Britannica

From an early age, Greenough was drawn to the plastic arts, and while still an adolescent he received instruction from carvers, architects, and sculptors in Boston.

Britannica

As a child he was sent to a Greek after-school program, where he received instruction in Greek language, mythology, history, and theater.

Harvard University

Mr Philippe, the son of coffee farmers who turns 36 on Sunday, trained at a military academy in Ecuador after Mr Aristide disbanded the army, where he received instruction from French troops and the US secret service.

The Guardian

He completed two gruelling specialist training camps, including the Tesón course, where he received instruction from foreign military advisers including Americans, Colombians and instructors who spoke a foreign language which Cruz could not identify.

The Guardian

According to the generally accepted account, Aristaeus, son of Apollo and the nymph Cyrene, was born in Libya but later went to Thebes, where he received instruction from the Muses in the arts of healing and prophecy and became the son-in-law of Cadmus and the father of Actaeon.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

He said he received instructions from an imam at a mosque near Kufa.

The New York Times

My dad worked for the KGB's first response unit and on the morning of 27 April he received instructions to join evacuation efforts in Pripyat.

The Guardian

During this series of visionary experiences, he received instructions about the appearance of and statements on the soon to-be-built walls of the Chapel".

The New York Times - Arts

Taking the stand shortly before lunch, McCann told the commission he received instructions from Casey on each of the strategic decisions involved in fighting Ellis's claim.

The Guardian

Mr. Ollen also drew testimony from Mr. Ressam about the terrorist camps, where, Mr. Ressam acknowledged, he received instructions on how to poison people by putting toxins on doorknobs and participated in experiments where dogs were injected with cyanide.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "he received instruction", clarify the subject or area in which the instruction was given to provide context. For instance, "He received instruction in advanced mathematics" is clearer than simply "He received instruction."

Common error

Avoid overuse of the passive voice in sentences using "he received instruction". Instead of "He received instruction", when appropriate, consider rewriting the sentence in the active voice to make it more direct and engaging: "A professor instructed him."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he received instruction" functions as a passive construction indicating that someone was given guidance or teaching. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is perfectly usable in written English. The examples provided by Ludwig show its use in various contexts, from military training to artistic education.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Academia

15%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he received instruction" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that indicates someone was taught or trained in a specific area. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and versatile, fitting various contexts from formal education to specialized training. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, you can enhance clarity by specifying the area of instruction. Consider using active voice alternatives like "he was taught" or "he was trained" for more direct writing. Based on the Ludwig examples, this phrase is most commonly found in news, encyclopedias and wiki sources. Always aim for clarity and precision when describing someone's learning experience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he was taught

Replaces "received instruction" with a more direct and common verb for learning.

he was trained

Focuses on practical skills and preparation for a specific task.

he was educated

Emphasizes formal learning and the acquisition of knowledge.

he learned

Simple and direct way to express the acquisition of knowledge or skills.

he underwent training

Highlights the process of going through a structured learning program.

he was coached

Suggests personalized guidance and support during learning.

he was mentored

Implies a long-term relationship with an experienced advisor.

he was schooled

Suggests a rigorous and comprehensive education.

he attended lessons

Focuses on the act of participating in instructional sessions.

he benefited from instruction

Emphasizes the positive outcome of receiving guidance and teaching.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "he received instruction"?

You can use alternatives like "he was taught", "he was trained", or "he learned" depending on the context.

How can I use "he received instruction" in a sentence?

Use "he received instruction" when you want to emphasize that someone was given formal or specific guidance in a particular skill or subject. For example, "Before becoming a pilot, he received instruction in aerodynamics and navigation".

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "he received instruction"?

While "he received instruction" is grammatically correct, using the active voice (e.g., "a professor instructed him") can often make your writing more direct and impactful. Choose the voice that best suits the emphasis you want to create in your sentence.

What is the difference between "he received instruction" and "he learned"?

"He received instruction" implies a formal or structured learning environment where someone is providing guidance. "He learned" is a broader term that can refer to any acquisition of knowledge or skills, whether through formal teaching or self-study.