instruct him to

USAGE SUMMARY

"instruct him to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to tell someone (either directly or indirectly) to do something. For example, "The manager instructed him to finish the project by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Books

Opinion

Tech

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

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

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

The New York Times - Sports

I'll instruct him to bat right-handed in that scene though, obviously.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. Holbrooke, moved by the gesture, replied that his government would instruct him to veto it.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Judge Burton instructed him to remain seated.

The New York Times

The captain instructed him to suspend it.

The New Yorker

The Master instructed him to go to Blackfriars Bridge.

The New Yorker

The F.B.I. agent instructed him to stay in his room.

The New Yorker

(Mr. Grass instructs him to go easy on the melodrama).

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "instruct him to", ensure the context clearly establishes who is giving the instruction and who is receiving it. Clarity prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "instruct him to" when you actually mean to suggest or advise. Instruction implies authority and a specific direction, while suggestion offers a less forceful recommendation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "instruct him to" functions as an imperative construction, directing someone to perform a specific action. As shown in Ludwig, it's often used in contexts where there's a clear power dynamic or expertise being conveyed.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sports

13%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Opinion

9%

Books

9%

Tech

9%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "instruct him to" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase for issuing a directive or command. As confirmed by Ludwig, its register is generally neutral, and it appears frequently in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, it's crucial to ensure clarity regarding who is instructing whom and to differentiate between instruction and suggestion. Related phrases such as "direct him to" or "tell him to" can provide alternative ways to convey the same meaning with slight variations in formality or intensity. As an imperative construction, "instruct him to" serves a direct purpose in guiding actions, which should be used to ensure a clear and direct message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

direct him to

This alternative is a more formal and direct substitution.

order him to

This suggests a more forceful and authoritative command.

tell him to

This is a simpler and more informal way to convey the instruction.

command him to

Implies a higher level of authority and a more formal setting.

advise him to

Suggests a recommendation rather than a strict instruction.

urge him to

Implies a strong encouragement to take a specific action.

guide him to

Suggests providing assistance and direction throughout the action.

recommend that he

This phrase frames the instruction as a suggestion or a piece of advice.

request him to

This implies a polite and formal request.

ask him to

This is a more general and less forceful way to request an action.

FAQs

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

Use "instruct him to" when someone in a position of authority or knowledge is directing someone else to perform a specific action. For example, "The coach instructed him to practice his free throws daily".

What are some alternatives to "instruct him to"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "direct him to", "tell him to", or "advise him to". The best choice depends on the level of authority and formality you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "instruct him to" and "ask him to"?

"Instruct him to" implies a degree of authority or expertise, whereas "ask him to" is a more general and polite request. Instructing suggests a specific direction, while asking simply requests cooperation.

When is it appropriate to use "instruct him to" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "instruct him to" in formal writing, professional settings, or when describing situations where a clear directive is given. It suits scenarios where someone has the authority or knowledge to guide another's actions.