instruct them on how to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "instruct them on how to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to provide guidance or teaching on a specific task or process. Example: "The teacher will instruct them on how to solve the complex math problems."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

They need her to come and instruct them on how to use it.

The Guardian - Books

It is "the candidate's job," he argued on "Meet the Press," to draw voters in -- not the second-place finisher's job to instruct them on how to vote: .

Huffington Post

This man's assistance would have been dismissed a year ago, but he has now become an expert to 47 judges of the 47 different member states, to instruct them on how to deal with the topic of human rights and terrorism and on how to find balance between security and normalcy.

Huffington Post

This was achieved by meeting the participants at least 1 week prior to the workshop to instruct them on how to use the device.

BMC Public Health

Instruct them on how to lift their knees, point their toes, and swing their arms.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

According to one news report, however, when three pregnant refugee women visited the ship in Dublin, one of the Aurora's three doctors supposedly instructed them on how to take RU-486 and then left the room, leaving the pills, which were normally kept under lock and key, on a table for the women to take home.

The New York Times - Magazine

He gave them the drugs, instructed them on how to use them, discussed their effectiveness and advised them to keep calendars regarding their drug use, the prosecutors say.

The New York Times - Sports

She accused Natalya Nazarova, an education department official in St . Petersburg of pressuring her and other poll workers to falsify the vote and instructing them on how to do it.

The New York Times

Half an hour from Bago, amid the golden stalks of rice paddies ready for harvest, a family of farmers said they understood the system well after daily broadcasts on state radio instructing them on how to vote.

The New York Times

But half an hour from Bago, amid the golden stalks of rice paddies ready for harvest, a family of farmers said they understood the system well after daily broadcasts on state radio instructing them on how to vote.

The New York Times

He instructed them on how to come off screens at the top of the paint and how to feed the ball into the post from a number of different spots on the court.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "instruct them on how to", ensure the instructions are clear, concise, and appropriate for the audience's level of understanding. Break down complex tasks into smaller, manageable steps for easier comprehension.

Common error

Avoid using overly technical or jargon-filled language when you "instruct them on how to". Prioritize simplicity and clarity to prevent confusion and ensure effective communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "instruct them on how to" functions as an infinitive phrase that introduces the purpose or method for carrying out an action. It clarifies what needs to be done and provides specific guidance on the process. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academic sources

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "instruct them on how to" serves to guide or direct others in performing specific tasks, as validated by Ludwig AI. It is generally grammatically correct and commonly used in news media, science and wiki-based sources, maintaining a neutral register. While alternative phrases like "teach them how to" or "guide them how to" can be used depending on context, prioritizing clarity and concise instructions ensures effective communication when using this phrase. Remember to avoid overly complex language to facilitate better comprehension for your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

teach them how to

Highlights the imparting of knowledge or skills.

show them how to

Focuses on demonstrating or illustrating a method.

guide them on how to

Emphasizes leading or directing someone through a process.

train them on how to

Emphasizes practical instruction and skill development.

advise them on how to

Focuses more on offering counsel or recommendations rather than detailed instructions.

explain to them how to

Implies clarifying or elucidating a procedure.

educate them on how to

Focuses on providing comprehensive understanding.

demonstrate to them how to

Stresses a visual or practical presentation of a process.

brief them on how to

Suggests a concise or summary explanation.

prepare them on how to

Focuses on getting someone ready for a specific task.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "instruct them on how to"?

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

How can I use "instruct them on how to" in a sentence?

You can use "instruct them on how to" followed by a verb phrase, for example: "The manual will instruct them on how to assemble the furniture."

What is the difference between "instruct them on how to" and "show them how to"?

"Instruct them on how to" implies a more formal or detailed explanation, while "show them how to" suggests a demonstration or visual aid.

Is "instruct them on how to" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "instruct them on how to" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when providing directions or explanations. However, context dictates the level of formality, and a simpler alternative might be preferable depending on audience and purpose.