instruct

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "instruct" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to give someone directions or orders on how to do something. Example: "Please instruct the team on the new procedures for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

However, on 10 February, Carmody phoned the executive director of the courts, Julie Steel, to instruct her to override Boddice's instructions.

The Guardian

Yet fiction loses its special power if it seeks to instruct or clarify, rather than losing itself in ambiguity or what the philosopher Richard Rorty called contingency and irony.

The Guardian - Opinion

Children aren't dogs one can simply instruct; they may sometimes do as you say, but more often they will do as you do.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It seems that Mr Shapps' repeated denials, which were not in the heat of the moment but also included a calculated decision to instruct solicitors, were contrary to the facts.

The Guardian

The price is relayed to their customers and, based on their orders, they instruct their representatives to declare themselves as buyers or sellers at that price.

The Guardian - Business

Rose says he used the detailed information to instruct his campaign and claims he can thank it for many of the 4,000 votes he took from Labour.

The Guardian

He cannot instruct the unions; they control how they conduct their ballots.

The Guardian - Opinion

This may not technically be an admission of defeat, but for all practical purposes it is: Mr Laycock is asking the justices to instruct Greece to change its prayer practice in a way that would continue to coercively offend one of his clients.

The Economist

The town should instruct should have a policy in the first place, which it doesn't, instruct the chaplains keep your prayer nonsectarian, do not address points of -­ JUSTICE ALITO: All right.

The Economist

Mr Gulen is expected to instruct his flock to vote for whoever is AK's strongest opponent in a given district.

The Economist

Some players become stars on their own, posting regular videos in which they critique the play of others, instruct their audiences in how to get better, or simply discuss the latest gossip.That is possible thanks to the rise of video-streaming sites, like Twitch.tv and Ustream, which allow anyone to set themselves up as a one-man television show.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "instruct" when you are in a position of authority or when you have expertise in a particular area. This conveys credibility and ensures your instructions are taken seriously.

Common error

Avoid using passive voice when you can use active voice to make your sentences more direct and engaging. For example, instead of saying "The students were instructed by the teacher", say "The teacher instructed the students."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "instruct" is as a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object. It describes the act of giving commands or teaching someone something. Ludwig AI confirms that "instruct" is usable in written English, serving to direct or teach.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "instruct" is a versatile transitive verb used to convey the act of teaching or directing, as validated by Ludwig AI. It's commonly found in news, business, and scientific contexts. When using "instruct", clarity is key, and passive voice should be avoided to ensure a direct and engaging message. Alternatives such as "direct", "teach", and "guide" can be used depending on the desired nuance. Remember that "instruct" generally implies a more authoritative role in giving directions or commands.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

direct

Suggests guiding or managing a process or person.

show how to

Focuses on demonstrating a process or method.

give instructions

Focuses on the act of providing specific directions.

teach

Focuses on imparting knowledge or skills.

provide guidance

Emphasizes support and advice rather than strict orders.

train

Emphasizes practical instruction and development of skills.

issue directives

Implies a formal and authoritative command.

coach

Focuses on training and mentoring someone.

offer counsel

Suggests advice based on expertise or experience.

lay down the law

Implies a firm and uncompromising set of rules.

FAQs

How to use "instruct" in a sentence?

You can use "instruct" to describe the act of teaching or directing someone. For example, "The teacher will instruct the students on the new lesson."

What can I say instead of "instruct"?

You can use alternatives like "direct", "teach", or "guide" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "instruct" or "give instructions"?

Both "instruct" and "give instructions" are correct, but "instruct" is more concise. For example, "The manual will instruct you on how to assemble the product" is equivalent to "The manual will give you instructions on how to assemble the product".

What's the difference between "instruct" and "advise"?

"Instruct" implies a more authoritative or expert role in giving directions, while "advise" suggests offering suggestions or recommendations based on knowledge or experience.