i instruct you

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I instruct you" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when giving direct orders or guidance to someone in a formal or authoritative context. Example: "As your supervisor, I instruct you to complete the report by the end of the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The translators of the New Jewish Publication Society edition of Genesis missed it when they translated Rebekah's echo of God's phrase as, first, "listen carefully as I instruct you," then, "do as I say".

The New York Times - Books

"I was told by one of the executives—I shouldn't say which one—'Francis, Marlon Brando will never appear in this picture, and I instruct you never to bring him up again.' At which point, I fainted onto the floor, as if to say, 'How can I deal with that type of statement?' My 'epileptic fit' was obviously a gag, and they got the point.

The New Yorker

When I instruct you to put your hand on your partner's head, I am delivering some human dao.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

If I instructed you now to form a girlband with two other female artists, who would you choose as the Kellys and Michelles to your Beyoncé?

The Guardian - Music

If your choice is b), I must instruct you to leave this column immediately and find something less distressing to read.

Independent

"On behalf of Messrs. Invisible, Non-Existent and Phantom, I hereby instruct you to turn over whatever's left in your mangy, flea-bitten accounts to Wonga CEO Errol Damelin right now.

Vice

"If I told you there was a spate of muggings in Hyde Park and to be careful, does that mean I'm instructing you in the art of mugging or does it mean I'm giving you a warning about a practice I've been made aware of?" asks Morgan.

The Guardian

by Sharon Levy 1.Twenty-five 1.Twenty-five years agoers,I tried to instruct you in baseballbut Kurt Schwittersstracted, gluIngbitriedd pieces of world historyalongsinstructonal anecdoteinstead of explicating baseball's habits.

The New Yorker

1. Twenty-five yeago ago, Kurt Schwitters, I tried to instruct you in baseball but kept getting distracted, gluing bits and pieces of world history alongside personal anecdote instead of explicating baseball's habits.

The New Yorker

I instruct her in the basic rules of our relationship.

The Guardian - Books

I instruct her on how to resuscitate him.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone and context: While grammatically sound, "I instruct you" can sound formal or even authoritarian. Ensure it aligns with your intended message and audience.

Common error

Avoid using "I instruct you" in informal conversations or casual writing. It can sound overly formal or even pompous. Opt for softer alternatives like "I suggest" or "I recommend" in such scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I instruct you" functions as a directive statement. It is used to issue a command or provide explicit instructions, indicating a hierarchical relationship or a position of authority. Ludwig confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I instruct you" is a grammatically correct directive, best suited for formal contexts where clear instructions and authority are to be conveyed. While Ludwig confirms its validity, overuse in casual settings should be avoided. Alternative phrases like "i direct you" or "i advise you" may be more appropriate depending on the situation. The phrase appears more frequently in news and media compared to other contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i direct you

Replaces "instruct" with "direct", suggesting a slightly less formal tone.

i order you

Emphasizes authority and command more strongly than "instruct".

i command you

Similar to "order", carrying a strong sense of authority.

i require you

Indicates a necessity or obligation, similar to "order" but slightly less direct.

i advise you

Offers guidance rather than a direct order, softening the directive nature.

i urge you

Implies a strong recommendation or encouragement, less forceful than "instruct".

i guide you

Focuses on providing assistance and direction, rather than a strict command.

i tell you

A simpler, more direct way of imparting information or a directive.

i recommend you

Suggests a course of action based on expertise, less forceful than "instruct".

i request you

Suggests a polite request rather than a command.

FAQs

What does "I instruct you" mean?

The phrase "I instruct you" means that the speaker is giving a direct order or providing specific directions to someone. It implies a level of authority and is typically used in formal contexts.

What can I say instead of "I instruct you"?

You can use alternatives like "i direct you", "i advise you", or "i urge you" depending on the context and level of formality.

Is "I instruct you" too formal for everyday conversation?

Yes, "I instruct you" is generally too formal for everyday conversation. It's better suited for professional or authoritative settings. Simpler phrases are more appropriate in casual contexts.

How to use "I instruct you" in a sentence?

You can use "I instruct you" when you are giving a clear and direct order. For example: "As your supervisor, I instruct you to complete this task immediately."