instruct him

USAGE SUMMARY

"instruct him" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to give someone an order or directions on how to do something. For example: "Please instruct him to bring the items to the meeting room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We didn't instruct him.

The Guardian - Sport

Scott had Ponting instruct him, and THE LOST.

The New York Times - Books

The company sent a amna around to instruct him.

The New Yorker

You'll instruct him in the arts of mercy and patience.

The New Yorker

He kept Charles to instruct him in complacency.

The New Yorker

And they weren't able to instruct him to be kind.

The Washington Post

President Clinton should instruct him to declassify the documents.

The New York Times

He seems to be a man who does what his handlers instruct him to do.

The New Yorker

Mr. Hope calls the police, who instruct him to stay inside.

The New York Times - Books

Jack did not instruct him on the wardrobe or accessories; they were all his idea.

The Guardian

Others instruct him to quiet down, reminding him to "just kick the ball".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "instruct him", ensure that the context clearly indicates who is providing the instruction and what the instruction entails. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "instruct him" in passive constructions where the source of instruction is unclear. For example, instead of "He was instructed to...", specify who instructed him for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "instruct him" functions as a verb phrase where "instruct" is the verb and "him" is the object pronoun. It typically conveys the action of giving directions or orders to someone.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "instruct him" is a versatile and frequently used expression for conveying the act of giving directions or orders. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its grammatical correctness and wide applicability make it a valuable tool in various writing contexts. While generally neutral in register, its use is particularly common in news and media, as well as in formal business settings. Alternatives such as "direct him" or "guide him" can offer nuanced variations, but "instruct him" provides a clear and effective way to indicate guidance or command. Ensure clarity by specifying the source and content of the instruction to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

direct him

This alternative focuses on providing guidance or orders.

guide him

Implies a more supportive and less directive form of instruction.

advise him

Suggests offering counsel or recommendations.

teach him

Emphasizes imparting knowledge or skills.

command him

Highlights the authoritative nature of the instruction.

order him

Similar to command, but can also refer to a specific request.

enjoin him

Formal term for instructing or directing someone.

charge him

Implies assigning a task or responsibility with specific instructions.

brief him

Focuses on providing necessary information before an event.

show him how

This phrase focuses on the method or the way something is done.

FAQs

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

You can use "instruct him" to indicate that someone is giving directions or orders to another person. For example, "The manager will instruct him on how to complete the task effectively".

What are some alternatives to "instruct him"?

You can use alternatives like "direct him", "guide him", or "advise him" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "instruct him" or "tell him"?

"Instruct him" is generally more formal than "tell him". "Tell him" is a more casual and common way to convey information.

What's the difference between "instruct him" and "teach him"?

"Instruct him" typically refers to giving specific directions or orders for a task, while "teach him" refers to imparting knowledge or skills over a longer period. The first focuses on directing while the second focuses on educating.