instruct by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "instruct by" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward in certain contexts.
It can be used when specifying a method or means of instruction, but it is more typical to use "instruct on" or "instruct in." Example: "Please instruct by providing detailed examples of the process."

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

It can instruct by counter example but rarely ennoble.

The New York Times

Like teachers everywhere, they instruct by asking questions.

The New Yorker

I expect our leaders to instruct by precept, example or experience and to be knowledgeable.

The New York Times

13] when public school authorities will undertake to instruct by radio and newspapers the 300,000 Chicago pupils barred from classroom attendance by the infantile paralysis epidemic.

The New York Times

But where Ayckbourn aims to amuse by anatomising domestic decisions, Brecht aimed to instruct by deconstructing the social structures that compel people's choices.

The Guardian

He required that dramatic action be probable and reasonable, that it instruct by moral precept and example (it was Rymer who coined the expression "poetic justice"), and that characters behave either as idealized types or as average representatives of their class.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Be sure to listen to instructions, even if instructed by someone famous!

WikiHow

Apply chemicals, reapplying them at regular intervals as instructed by the package instructions.

WikiHow

Art instructs by way of communicating, but we need to understand such instruction as including imagination.

SEP

A doctor instructed by Medical Justice examined Betondi.

The Guardian

However, Jayawardene was going nowhere until instructed by the umpires.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "instruct by", ensure the method of instruction is clearly specified to avoid ambiguity. For example, "instruct by example" is more effective than simply "instruct by".

Common error

Avoid constructing sentences where the actor doing the instructing is unclear. Instead of "Students were instructed by the manual", write "The manual instructed the students".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "instruct by" functions as a verb phrase, where "instruct" is the verb indicating the action of teaching or guiding, and "by" introduces the means or method employed in the instruction. As Ludwig AI says, it specifies the method or means through which instruction is provided.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Academic

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "instruct by" is an acceptable but not overly common way to indicate the method of instruction. As Ludwig AI remarks, the phrase may sound awkward in certain contexts. Predominantly found in news, encyclopedias, and scientific sources, it specifies how the teaching is being delivered. While grammatically sound, being mindful of clarity and potentially opting for alternatives like "instruct on" or "teach through" can enhance writing. Remember to specify the method clearly when using "instruct by" to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

teach using

Emphasizes the method of teaching or the tools employed.

guide through

Focuses on leading someone through a process or experience, rather than formal instruction.

inform through

Emphasizes the dissemination of information via a particular channel or medium.

educate via

Highlights the channel or medium through which education is delivered.

explain with

Focuses on clarifying or elucidating something using a specific tool or method.

train with

Specifies the means or tools used during a training process.

tutor using

Focuses on providing individualized instruction with a particular aid.

demonstrate by

Shifts the focus to showing or proving something through action or example.

coach with

Describes a coaching approach with a specific resource.

mentor through

Highlights a mentoring relationship during a specific challenge or opportunity.

FAQs

How can I use "instruct by" in a sentence?

You can use "instruct by" to specify the method or means through which instruction is provided. For example, "The teacher chose to instruct by using real-world examples."

Is "instruct by" grammatically correct?

While not incorrect, "instruct by" isn't as commonly used as other alternatives. It's acceptable but can sometimes sound awkward. Using alternatives like "instruct on" or "teach through" might be clearer.

What's the difference between "instruct by" and "instruct on"?

"Instruct by" specifies the method of instruction, while "instruct on" specifies the subject matter being taught. For example, you might "instruct by showing examples" but "instruct on the topic of fractions".

What are some alternatives to "instruct by"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "guide through", "teach using", or "educate via" to express similar ideas.