instruct in

USAGE SUMMARY

"instruct in" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you wish to talk about teaching someone a particular skill or course of instruction. Example: We are looking for an experienced tutor to instruct in the French language.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

The city is dotted with billboards that instruct in Kannada, "Make way for the ambulance".

The New York Times

I am a certified firearms instructor and I instruct in close-quarter combat fighting.

The Guardian

Instinctively, when he had something important to tell an actor, he would huddle with him privately, rather than instruct in front of the others.

The New Yorker

There were also dancing masters and dancing mistresses to instruct in and lead the dances that had been brought from the Old World.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Those concerned with more pressing matters will find much to instruct in Warren Belasco's Meals to Come: A History of the Future of Food University off California, £13.95).

The Guardian - Books

On a whiteboard propped up near the window, Moore has scrawled out some lyrics for us: "LaLaLa" they instruct in green felt pen.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Fans dressed, as instructed, in all black.

The New York Times - Sports

Through their infidelities he instructs in virtue.

The Guardian - Books

Professions cannot be "instructed in excellence".

The Guardian

Yield, the signs instructed in bright yellow.

The Guardian - Books

Or, as Ms. Silverman instructs in the video, "Use threats".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "instruct in", ensure the subject matter is clearly defined. For example, "She will instruct in advanced calculus" is more precise than "She will instruct."

Common error

Avoid using "instruct on" instead of "instruct in". While "on" can sometimes be used with verbs related to teaching, "in" is the correct preposition to use with "instruct" when referring to a subject or skill. Instead of saying "He instructed on the basics of coding", say "He instructed in the basics of coding".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "instruct in" functions as a verb phrase that describes the act of teaching or providing knowledge in a specific subject or area. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

31%

Wiki

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "instruct in" is a commonly used and grammatically correct verb phrase that signifies teaching or providing knowledge in a particular area. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's found in various contexts, from formal academic writing to news articles. Its primary function is to describe the act of providing education or training. While alternative phrases like "teach about" or "provide instruction in" exist, understanding the specific nuance you want to convey is key. Remember to use "in" rather than "on" after "instruct" when specifying the subject matter. Overall, "instruct in" is a reliable and versatile phrase for expressing the act of teaching or guiding someone in a specific field.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provide instruction in

Emphasizes the act of supplying knowledge or training in a particular subject.

offer guidance in

Focuses on providing support and direction, rather than formal teaching.

teach about

Uses a more general term for imparting knowledge.

educate on

Implies a more formal and comprehensive approach to teaching.

give lessons in

Highlights the act of delivering structured teaching sessions.

tutor in

Suggests a one-on-one teaching relationship.

train in

Focuses on developing practical skills through instruction.

coach in

Implies a more hands-on and personalized approach to instruction, often in sports or performance.

mentor in

Suggests a more long-term and supportive relationship where guidance is given.

demonstrate knowledge of

Focuses on showing expertise in a certain topic, but not necessarily instructing someone.

FAQs

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

You can use "instruct in" to describe teaching or training someone in a specific subject or skill. For example, "The professor will "instruct in" quantum physics this semester".

What's a good alternative to "instruct in"?

Alternatives include "teach about", "provide instruction in", or "offer guidance in", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "instruct on" instead of "instruct in"?

While "instruct" can sometimes be followed by "on", it is generally more accurate and common to use "instruct in" when referring to a subject or skill. The phrase "instruct in" is more widely accepted for denoting the area of teaching.

What's the difference between "instruct in" and "train in"?

"Instruct in" typically refers to imparting knowledge or theory, while "train in" focuses on developing practical skills. You might "instruct in" history but "train in" first aid.