instructed him to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "instructed him to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that someone has given directions or commands to another person. Example: "The manager instructed him to complete the report by the end of the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Judge Burton instructed him to remain seated.

The New York Times

The captain instructed him to suspend it.

The New Yorker

The F.B.I. agent instructed him to stay in his room.

The New Yorker

The Master instructed him to go to Blackfriars Bridge.

The New Yorker

The Rinzai teacher instructed him to "kill the watcher" within.

The New York Times - Magazine

Peeved, Mr. Bowen instructed him to find out what changes the F.C.I.C.  staff wanted to make.

The New York Times

"There was nothing from Doug that instructed him to talk politics.

The New Yorker

He said his lawyer had instructed him to not talk to anyone about the case.

The New York Times - Magazine

The King instructed him to view the miniature fly through the lens.

The New Yorker

Linklater instructed him to maintain eye contact while relaxing his belly.

The New Yorker

Mr. Diotis said that Mr. Venizelos had not instructed him to investigate it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "directed", "ordered", or "advised" to vary your writing and more precisely convey the nature of the instruction.

Common error

Avoid using "instructed him to" in overly passive constructions. Instead of "He was instructed to..." opt for "The manager instructed him to..." to create a more direct and engaging sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "instructed him to" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of giving a command, direction, or order. Ludwig AI confirms that it is a commonly used structure across diverse contexts, as demonstrated by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "instructed him to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase used to indicate that someone has given specific instructions or directions. According to Ludwig AI, it is common across various sources like News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Wiki, with a neutral register, making it suitable for diverse writing contexts. To improve writing, consider varying the language by using alternatives such as "directed him to" or "ordered him to", and avoid overly passive constructions. Ensure clarity by establishing the instructor's authority and the instruction's context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

directed him to

Replaces "instructed" with "directed", offering a slightly less formal tone.

commanded him to

Indicates a strong and formal order.

ordered him to

Emphasizes authority, implying a command that must be obeyed.

told him to

A simpler, more direct way of conveying the information.

advised him to

Suggests guidance or a recommendation rather than a strict order.

counseled him to

Similar to advised, but suggests more in-depth guidance or advice.

requested him to

Indicates a polite or formal request.

tasked him with

Focuses on the assignment or responsibility given.

assigned him to

Highlights the act of assigning a duty or task.

enjoined him to

A more formal and somewhat archaic way of expressing a command.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "instructed him to"?

You can use alternatives like "directed him to", "ordered him to", or "told him to" depending on the context.

How does "instructed him to" differ from "advised him to"?

"Instructed him to" implies a command or directive, while "advised him to" suggests offering guidance or a recommendation. The former carries more authority.

Is "instructed him to" formal or informal?

"Instructed him to" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal, suitable for various contexts including news reports, formal correspondence, and general writing. Using simpler language might be preferable in very informal contexts.

Can "instructed him to" be used in passive voice?

Yes, but active voice is often clearer and more engaging. Instead of "He was instructed to...", consider "The supervisor instructed him to...".