i was instructing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was instructing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action of teaching or giving directions that was happening in the past. Example: "During the meeting, I was instructing the team on the new software updates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

* * * When I was instructing young people who wanted to become English teachers, I found that many of them didn't know the difference between plot and theme.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"I was instructed to stop shooting".

The New Yorker

I was instructed to stop.

The New York Times - Style

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

The New York Times

I was instructed to rendezvous at a distant church.

The Guardian - Opinion

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 did as I was instructed, but my heart just wasn't in it.

The New York Times

They were expensive, but I did as I was instructed and purchased the feathers.

The New Yorker

Two minutes after I started the first drawing, I was instructed to try again.

The New York Times - Magazine

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

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "i was instructing", ensure the context clearly indicates the subject or skill being taught. Be specific to avoid ambiguity. For example, say "i was instructing them on the proper use of safety equipment" instead of just "i was instructing them".

Common error

Avoid using "i was instructing" when you are merely informing someone. Instruction implies a process of teaching or training, not just conveying information. Use "i was informing" or "i was advising" if you are simply providing information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "i was instructing" functions as a verb phrase indicating a past action. It describes the act of providing guidance or teaching, implying a transfer of knowledge or skills. Ludwig AI shows that this is often used to describe specific training or guidance.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "i was instructing" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a past action of teaching or guiding someone. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides real-world examples. While the phrase is not exceedingly common, it is frequently found in news and media contexts. Alternatives such as "i was teaching" or "i was guiding" may be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines the subject or skill being taught to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i was teaching

Replaces "instructing" with the synonym "teaching", indicating a similar act of imparting knowledge or skills.

i was guiding

Substitutes "instructing" with "guiding", suggesting a more supportive and directional role in the learning process.

i was training

Uses "training" instead of "instructing", implying a more structured and practical approach to teaching specific skills.

i was coaching

Replaces "instructing" with "coaching", which suggests a more personalized and mentoring-based approach.

i was educating

Employs "educating" instead of "instructing", referring to a broader and more comprehensive imparting of knowledge.

i was showing how to

Explains the process of instructing, focusing on demonstrating the method or steps involved.

i was giving lessons on

Clarifies that the instructing involved formal or informal lessons on a specific topic.

i was providing direction on

Highlights the directional aspect of instructing, focusing on guiding someone towards a specific goal or understanding.

i was giving guidance on

Stresses the supportive and advisory nature of the instructing process.

i was briefing

Replaces "instructing" with "briefing", indicating a short, concise set of instructions or information.

FAQs

What's the difference between "i was instructing" and "i was teaching"?

While similar, "i was instructing" often implies a more specific set of directions or training, while "i was teaching" (/s/i+was+teaching target="_blank" rel="nofollow") generally refers to a broader educational context. You might instruct someone on how to use a specific tool, but teach them a subject like history.

What can I say instead of "i was instructing"?

You can use alternatives like "i was guiding" (/s/i+was+guiding target="_blank" rel="nofollow"), "i was training" (/s/i+was+training target="_blank" rel="nofollow"), or "i was coaching" (/s/i+was+coaching target="_blank" rel="nofollow") depending on the context.

How to use "i was instructing" in a sentence?

Use "i was instructing" to describe a past action of providing specific directions or training. For example: "During the workshop, i was instructing participants on the new software features."

Is "i was instructing" formal or informal?

"I was instructing" is generally considered neutral in formality and can be used in both professional and informal contexts, though it is less casual than phrases like "showing someone how to".