i was instructed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was instructed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to receiving guidance or orders from someone in a formal or professional context. Example: "I was instructed to complete the report by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I was instructed to stop shooting".

The New Yorker

I was instructed to stop.

The New York Times - Style

I was instructed to rendezvous at a distant church.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I'm just doing what I was instructed to do".

The New York Times

On the Saturday afternoon, I was instructed to wait for him outside the hotel.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I was instructed to leave no fingerprints and had an hour to take notes.

The Washington Post

I was instructed to update to Firefox 5 and so I did.

The New York Times

I was instructed to find A+ blood-type donors to supply blood for transfusion during surgery.

The New York Times

"I was instructed not to make my work too heavy and difficult.

The Guardian - Arts

I was instructed by the receivers to have no communication with the students.

The Guardian

Assange rarely allows visitors to carry electronics, so I was instructed to turn over my phone.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was instructed" in formal writing to convey a sense of obligation or adherence to a protocol, enhancing the professional tone.

Common error

Avoid using "I was instructed" without specifying who gave the instruction. Vague references can weaken the sentence and obscure responsibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was instructed" functions as a passive construction indicating that the speaker received directions or commands from someone else. Ludwig AI shows its usage in various contexts, primarily to explain actions taken under external guidance. This showcases the speaker's adherence to given guidelines or orders.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I was instructed" is a very common passive construction used to indicate that the speaker performed an action because they received directions or commands from someone else. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used in formal and professional contexts, especially in news and media. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying who provided the instruction and why. Related phrases include "I was directed" and "I received instructions", offering alternative ways to convey the same idea with slight variations in tone and emphasis. Remember to avoid vague references and clearly indicate the source of the instruction to maintain clarity and accountability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i received instructions

This alternative is more neutral and lacks the implication of obligation or authority inherent in "instructed".

i was directed

This alternative implies a more general guidance, often without a sense of strict orders.

i was ordered

This alternative suggests a stronger sense of command and obligation.

i was commanded

This alternative indicates a high level of authority and a formal order.

i was told

This is a more informal and general way of indicating that someone gave you information or directions.

i was advised

This alternative suggests receiving counsel or a recommendation, not necessarily a direct order.

i was guided

This alternative implies support and assistance in understanding or achieving something.

i was required

This alternative emphasizes the necessity or obligation to do something.

it was my understanding

This alternative focuses on the comprehension and interpretation of instructions, rather than the act of being instructed.

i understood that i should

This alternative highlights the subject's understanding and subsequent obligation, differing from the direct passivity of "i was instructed".

FAQs

How can I rephrase "I was instructed" to sound more direct?

You can use active voice constructions like "I received instructions", or "I was directed" depending on the desired nuance. These alternatives may sound less passive and more assertive.

What's a more formal alternative to "I was instructed"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "I was directed" or "I received directives". These options are often used in professional or official contexts.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when writing "I was instructed"?

The choice depends on the context. Passive voice emphasizes the action and the instruction received, while active voice (e.g., "They instructed me") emphasizes the instructor. Use the passive when the instruction itself is more important than who gave it.

What are some synonyms for "instructed" in the phrase "I was instructed"?

Synonyms include "directed", "ordered", "commanded", "advised", and "told". The best choice depends on the specific meaning you want to convey.