instructed

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "instructed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe when someone receives detailed information about doing something, or to share information with someone. For example: "The teacher instructed the students on how to solve the complex equations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Brown repeatedly said he did not recall specifics about altering the cabinet minute or who instructed him to change it.

The Guardian

I have instructed that they be relocated to Christmas Island as soon as possible".

The Guardian

The Sierra Leone ministry of health refused to share data in the early outbreak and instructed the WHO to report only lab-confirmed deaths, thereby excluding the "probable" and "suspect" cases that could not be tested because of the lack of testing facilities.

The Guardian

Various people claiming to be former lieutenants have spoken out and last year a bunch of hacked emails described in detail how internet commenters in the small town of Ganzhou were instructed to guide conversations on the web.

The Guardian

When appointed literary executor, Clapp was instructed by Carter simply to "make money for my boys" (her son and her second husband Mark Pearce).

The Guardian - Books

Still, in 2012, a JIEDDO senior official, whose name is redacted in the report seen by the Guardian, instructed the COIC to "collect information on US companies that did business with Fatima".

The Guardian

Monis's lawyer sternly instructed him not to talk to the press when he was on trial for this crime.

The Guardian

Video messaging is a key tool in Boko Haram's propaganda war and the medium chosen by Shekau to claim responsibility for the abduction of the Chibok girls, announcing that "God instructed me to sell them, they are his properties and I will carry out his instructions".

The Guardian

"Let her join the queue," Kwairanga instructed his harried volunteers.

The Guardian

"Homosexuality = AIDS = 100%," declared one placard, while Museveni instructed the audience that: "The mouth is for eating, it is not for gonorrhoea".

The Guardian

If I instructed you now to form a girlband with two other female artists, who would you choose as the Kellys and Michelles to your Beyoncé?

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "instructed", ensure that the recipient of the instruction and the specific details of the instruction are clearly stated to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "instructed" in overly passive constructions that obscure who gave the instruction. For example, instead of "It was instructed that...", specify who gave the instruction: "The manager instructed the team that...".

Linguistic Context

Instructed primarily functions as the past tense and past participle of the verb "instruct". It indicates that someone has been given specific directions, commands, or knowledge on how to perform a task or understand a concept. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

26%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

4%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "instructed" is a very common and grammatically correct past tense and past participle of the verb "instruct", which means to give commands or directions. Ludwig AI confirms this, and the numerous examples show it used in a variety of contexts, predominantly in news and business settings. When writing, clarity is key; be sure to specify who was "instructed" and what they were "instructed" to do. Alternatives such as "directed" or "advised" can provide nuanced meanings. By avoiding passive constructions, you can ensure the message remains active and understandable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gave instructions

Replaces the single word with a verb-noun construction, emphasizing the act of providing instructions.

issued directives

Implies a more formal and authoritative command or order.

provided guidance

Focuses on offering support and direction, rather than a strict command.

gave directions

More specific to providing a route or course of action.

briefed on

Suggests a concise explanation or set of instructions.

schooled in

Focuses on formal education or training in a particular subject.

coached on

Suggests a more personalized and supportive training approach.

taught how to

Highlights the act of imparting knowledge or skills.

enlightened about

Emphasizes the act of providing insight or understanding.

advised to

Recommends a course of action, less forceful than a direct command.

FAQs

How to use "instructed" in a sentence?

Use "instructed" to show that someone has given specific information or commands about how something should be done. For example, "The teacher instructed the students to read chapter one."

What can I say instead of "instructed"?

You can use alternatives like "directed", "commanded", or "advised" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "instructed to" or "instructed that"?

"Instructed to" is generally used when giving a direct command or order, while "instructed that" is used when relaying information. For instance, "He was instructed to leave immediately" vs. "He was instructed that the meeting was canceled."

What's the difference between "instructed" and "taught"?

"Instructed" typically refers to giving specific directions or commands for a task, while "taught" refers to imparting knowledge or skills over a period. Someone might be "instructed" to assemble a product, but "taught" how to design it.