instructed him that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "instructed him that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when conveying that someone has given specific instructions or directives to another person. Example: "The manager instructed him that he needed to complete the report by Friday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

They also instructed him that he was not permitted on campus.

The New Yorker

She had instructed him that feature films were taboo according to the Bible.

The Guardian - Books

Blair instructed him that the casus belli was Saddam Hussein's weapons of mass destruction, urged him to make the case before the UN, and - when the effort to obtain a UN resolution failed - convinced him to revive the Middle East peace process, which the president had abandoned.

The Guardian

When Kashner first met Trungpa, the enlightened one sagely instructed him that the real reason Kashner had come to the Kerouac school was not to worship his heroes but to be released from their spell -- "to find out the truth about them and be free of them, to be able to live my own life".

The New York Times - Books

I instructed him that he should never, ever again make any financial decision.

Forbes

They instructed him that the perennially money-losing company would not pay for suites at five-star European hotels.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

And I had to instruct him that the car on the main road has the right of way and a red light means "stop".

The New York Times

But just as he was to announce his breakthrough, Rice intervened, instructing him that he could not discuss any political process and that the whole burden of accountability must be put on the Palestinians and none on the Israelis.

The Guardian

Meanwhile, Michael has been having visions of Deborah's ghost and a younger version of himself, who instructs him that with Halloween approaching it is time to bring Laurie home; so he sets off for Haddonfield.

Wikipedia

In a final vain attempt, Roosevelt's Secretary of State Cordell Hull sent a telegram on 4 June to the Ambassador to Japan Joseph Grew instructing him that the United States would still accept a cap of 14-inch guns if he could get Japan to as well.

Wikipedia

The demo begins as Kratos gives his son a knife, instructing him that he must go out to hunt, and it ends with him helping his reluctant boy mercifully end the life of a deer that the child mortally wounded with an arrow.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "instructed him that", ensure the context clearly indicates a hierarchical relationship or authority, where one person is giving directions or orders to another.

Common error

Avoid using "instructed him that" when describing interactions between equals. Opt for words like "suggested", "advised", or "told" to avoid implying an inappropriate power dynamic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "instructed him that" functions as a reporting verb construction, indicating the act of giving specific directions or commands. As Ludwig AI confirms, it accurately conveys that someone provided clear instructions. Examples in Ludwig show its usage in news and media contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

17%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "instructed him that" serves to denote the action of giving specific directions or commands. Grammatically correct and considered usable in written English, as per Ludwig AI, its frequency is classified as "Uncommon". Predominantly found in "News & Media" and "Wiki" contexts, the phrase carries a neutral to formal tone, suitable for expressing authority or guidance. The related phrases, like "told him that" or "directed him that", offer alternatives for varying levels of formality. When using "instructed him that", it's important to ensure the context involves a clear hierarchical relationship to accurately convey the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

directed him that

Replaces "instructed" with a more formal synonym, emphasizing the giving of orders or guidance.

told him that

Offers a simpler, more direct alternative to "instructed", suitable for informal contexts.

advised him that

Suggests a more consultative approach, where the advice is less forceful than an instruction.

informed him that

Focuses on conveying information rather than giving a directive.

commanded him that

Indicates a strong, authoritative order, more forceful than a simple instruction.

ordered him that

Similar to "commanded", implying a formal or official decree.

stipulated to him that

More formal and legalistic, suggesting a condition or requirement was explicitly stated.

briefed him that

Implies the provision of essential information or guidance before a specific action or event.

notified him that

Focuses on the act of making someone aware of a fact or situation, rather than giving an instruction.

enjoined him that

Implies a formal and often legal or moral command.

FAQs

How can I use "instructed him that" in a sentence?

Use "instructed him that" to indicate someone in a position of authority gave a specific order or directive. For example, "The general instructed him that the mission was to be completed by dawn."

What can I say instead of "instructed him that"?

You can use alternatives like "told him that", "directed him that", or "advised him that" depending on the context and the level of formality.

Is "instructed him that" formal or informal?

"Instructed him that" leans towards a more formal register, suggesting a degree of authority or official instruction. Simpler alternatives like "told him that" are suitable for informal contexts.

What is the difference between "instructed him that" and "informed him that"?

"Instructed him that" implies giving a command or directive, whereas "informed him that" simply means conveying information without necessarily implying a command.