instructed me

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "instructed me" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone giving you specific directions or guidance on how to do something. Example: "The teacher instructed me to complete the assignment by Friday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

She emphatically instructed me to deny her existence if anyone called.

The Guardian - Books

A label instructed me to "see accompanying information" — there wasn't any — for dosage instructions.

The New Yorker

Snyder instructed me to draw something.

The New York Times - Magazine

The nurse instructed me to stand between Victoria's legs.

The New York Times

Caro instructed me to do as I was told.

The New Yorker

Someone must have instructed me to perform this task.

The New Yorker

Sea kayaking, Steve instructed me, is a fast-growing pursuit.

Independent

She instructed me on the language of the dead.

The New York Times

Birt politely but firmly instructed me: "Be systematic.

The Guardian

He instructed me to go into the storage room and lie down on the floor.

The New York Times

"Don't say Cheung Kong, say Bank of China," he instructed me.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "instructed me" when you want to emphasize that someone provided specific instructions or guidance that you followed. It's more direct than simply saying someone 'told' you something.

Common error

Avoid using "instructed me" in very casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "told me" or "showed me" may be more appropriate depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "instructed me" functions as a verb phrase where 'instructed' is the past tense of the verb 'instruct' and 'me' is the direct object. Ludwig shows that it indicates the action of providing guidance or commands to the speaker. The phrase describes that someone provided specific directions or commands to the speaker.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "instructed me" is a grammatically sound and commonly used verb phrase that conveys the act of receiving specific guidance or commands from someone. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and prevalence, particularly within news and media contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it's essential to consider the context and audience to ensure the most appropriate level of formality. Alternatives such as "directed me" or "told me" may be suitable depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

directed me

Emphasizes a more formal or authoritative sense of direction.

guided me

Suggests a supportive and less forceful form of instruction.

told me

A more general term for conveying information or instructions.

advised me

Implies a recommendation or suggestion, rather than a strict order.

commanded me

Conveys a strong sense of authority and obligation.

ordered me

Similar to commanded, but can also refer to a sequence of actions.

tasked me

Focuses on assigning a specific job or duty.

sought me

Refers to requesting my help or opinion.

required me

Highlights a necessity or obligation to fulfill a requirement.

enjoined me

Suggests a formal or legal command.

FAQs

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

Use "instructed me" when you want to convey that someone gave you specific directions or commands. For instance, "The teacher instructed me to read chapter 5" or "My boss instructed me to prepare the report".

What are some alternatives to "instructed me"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "directed me", "guided me", "told me", or "advised me". Each carries a slightly different connotation.

Is "instructed me" formal or informal?

"Instructed me" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It is suitable for both professional and general writing, but simpler terms might be preferred in very informal settings.

What's the difference between "instructed me" and "told me"?

"Instructed me" implies a more specific and directive communication, often with an expectation of compliance. "Told me" is more general and simply indicates that information was conveyed without necessarily implying an order or direction.