instructed by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "instructed by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone has received guidance or direction from another person or source. Example: "The students were instructed by their teacher on how to complete the assignment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A doctor instructed by Medical Justice examined Betondi.

The Guardian

However, Jayawardene was going nowhere until instructed by the umpires.

The Guardian - Sport

Some began: "We are instructed by our client..."...

The Guardian - Money

"As instructed by the Fire Department," the young woman vouched.

The New Yorker

But the disciples rebel at being instructed by a woman.

The New York Times

Because they had been instructed by the government".

The Guardian

For the main course, I'm instructed by Christophe himself.

The Guardian - Travel

I was being instructed by the Maestro himself.

The New Yorker

Initially the children were instructed by teachers who could hear.

The Economist

Flower has no doubt been instructed by his ECB aides to prevaricate and dodge.

The Guardian - Sport

Muslims are instructed by the Koran to follow Abraham's example on Eid ul-Adha.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "instructed by", ensure that the source of the instruction is clearly identified. This provides context and credibility to the action being described.

Common error

Avoid using "instructed by" with an incorrect subject-verb agreement. For example, instead of "He were instructed by the manager", use "He was instructed by the manager" to maintain grammatical accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "instructed by" primarily functions as a passive construction, indicating that a subject received guidance or directions from a specified source. This is evident in examples from Ludwig, such as "I was instructed by the receivers" and "Muslims are instructed by the Koran".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

36%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "instructed by" is a grammatically sound and very common construction used to indicate that someone has received and is acting upon specific guidance or directions. As shown by Ludwig, this phrase appears most frequently in News & Media and Science contexts, maintaining a neutral to professional register. It serves to emphasize the source of instruction and accountability. To ensure clarity, always clearly identify the source of instruction and maintain correct subject-verb agreement. Alternatives such as "directed by" or "guided by" offer nuanced variations, while "instructed by" remains a reliable choice for conveying clear and authoritative guidance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

directed by

Emphasizes guidance and management, often from a superior or authoritative entity.

guided by

Implies a more supportive and less authoritative form of direction.

advised by

Suggests that recommendations were provided, which may or may not have been followed.

ordered by

Highlights the mandatory aspect of the instruction, indicating a command.

commanded by

Conveys a stronger sense of authority and control compared to "instructed by".

taught by

Focuses on the educational aspect of the instruction, implying a learning process.

coached by

Suggests a more personalized and interactive form of instruction, typically in sports or personal development.

trained by

Implies a structured and methodical approach to instruction, often for a specific skill or task.

briefed by

Highlights the provision of essential information or instructions, often in a concise manner.

counseled by

Indicates guidance provided by a counselor, often involving advice and support.

FAQs

How can I use "instructed by" in a sentence?

You can use "instructed by" to show that someone is following directions from a specific source. For example: "The students were "instructed by" their teacher to read chapter 3".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "instructed by"?

Alternatives include "directed by", "guided by", or "advised by". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "instructed by" or "told by"?

"Instructed by" implies a more formal or structured form of guidance, while "told by" is more general and can refer to any kind of communication. Use "instructed by" when the guidance is specific and authoritative.

What's the difference between "instructed by" and "required by"?

"Instructed by" indicates that someone has received guidance on how to do something, whereas "required by" indicates that something is mandatory. For example, "He was "instructed by" the manual" means he followed the manual's directions; "It is "required by" law" means it's legally mandatory.