instruct me to

USAGE SUMMARY

"instruct me to" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to express a request or command for someone to teach or guide you on how to do something. Example: "Please instruct me to properly use this new software."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Both instruct me to call Wallace, who runs a quirky bed and breakfast in an old assembly rooms.

The Guardian

When I answered that I was and could he please instruct me to Borough Hall, he replied: "Nope.

The New York Times

To get inspiration, I go to the place where the big beasts live, and they instruct me to do Mardi Gras.

Independent

On Saturday, she phoned to instruct me to buy a slice of veal shin for each person, plus carrots, lemons, crème fraîche, butter and sugar.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Her Olympic-scale worrying would have briskly taken on the darkness of the gravestone slate had she still been around; her letter would instruct me to consult somebody in The New Yorker's checking department about all this.

The New Yorker

I would sit next to my mother on these afternoons and inevitably a tendril of tension would start emanating from the screen, and from her. Suddenly, in a fierce whisper, she would instruct me to look at the floor.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

A label instructed me to "see accompanying information" — there wasn't any — for dosage instructions.

The New Yorker

Snyder instructed me to draw something.

The New York Times - Magazine

The nurse instructed me to stand between Victoria's legs.

The New York Times

Caro instructed me to do as I was told.

The New Yorker

Someone must have instructed me to perform this task.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "instruct me to", ensure that the context clearly indicates who is providing the instruction and what specific action needs to be taught or guided. For example, "The manual should instruct me to properly install the software".

Common error

Avoid using "instruct me to" when the subject is plural or third-person singular. For instance, instead of "They instruct me to does this", use "They instruct me to do this".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "instruct me to" functions as an imperative, used to request or command someone to provide guidance or directions on a specific action. Ludwig AI confirms this is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "instruct me to" is a grammatically correct and useful phrase for requesting guidance or direction, as supported by Ludwig AI. While it is not as common as some alternatives, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts, especially news and media. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding the instructor and the desired action. Alternatives such as "guide me to" or "teach me to" can be considered based on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

guide me to

Changes the verb to 'guide', implying assistance in finding a path or direction, not necessarily teaching.

show me how to

Replaces "instruct" with "show", focusing on visual demonstration of a process.

teach me to

Substitutes "instruct" with "teach", emphasizing the transfer of knowledge or skill.

advise me on

Shifts the focus to receiving counsel or recommendations, rather than direct instruction.

direct me to

Uses "direct" to indicate providing specific instructions or a course of action.

tell me how to

Employs "tell" for a more straightforward request for information on a procedure.

enlighten me on

Replaces instruct with a more formal verb, focusing on gaining insight or understanding.

inform me of the process

Focuses on receiving information regarding the process.

provide guidance on

Shifts from requesting instruction to seeking general guidance or support.

offer your expertise on

Requests the sharing of specialized knowledge or skills, implying a higher level of proficiency.

FAQs

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

Use "instruct me to" when you want someone to provide you with guidance or teach you how to perform a specific action. For example, "Can you instruct me to properly install this software?"

What are some alternatives to "instruct me to"?

You can use alternatives like "guide me to", "show me how to", or "teach me to", depending on the context.

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

While "instruct me on" is grammatically acceptable, "instruct me to" is more commonly used when you want someone to guide you through a specific action. "Instruct me on" is more appropriate when requesting information about a topic.

What is the difference between "advise me to" and "instruct me to"?

"Advise me to" implies offering a suggestion or recommendation, while "instruct me to" suggests providing a direct command or guidance on how to perform a task. Choose the phrase that best fits the level of authority or guidance being given. For example, a doctor might "advise me to" exercise, but a flight instructor will "instruct me to" adjust the aircraft controls.