instructed me to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "instructed me to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to someone telling you what you should do. For example: "My professor instructed me to study for the upcoming midterm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

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

The New York Times

She instructed me to take only the youngest leaves in the center of the plant.

The New York Times

"That is what the caucus instructed me to use this week".

The New York Times

When I got to the apartment, the man instructed me to keep my underwear on.

The New Yorker

He rolled down his window and instructed me to drive slowly.

The New Yorker

Doc has instructed me to speak loudly, on account of "Mr Palmer's poor hearing".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "instructed me to", ensure that the context clearly indicates who provided the instruction and what the instruction entailed.

Common error

Avoid using "instructed me to" without clearly specifying who gave the instruction. Ambiguity can confuse the reader. Always provide context to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "instructed me to" functions as a reporting verb phrase, introducing an indirect command or directive. It indicates that someone has given a specific instruction to the speaker. Ludwig provides numerous examples showing this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

16%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "instructed me to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that serves to report a directive or command. According to Ludwig, this phrase is highly versatile, fitting well in news, academic, and formal business contexts. While it maintains a generally neutral tone, it's more formal than simply saying "told me to". It's vital to ensure clarity in your writing by specifying who gave the instruction to avoid ambiguity. Alternative phrasing can include "directed me to" or "ordered me to", each carrying slightly different connotations of authority or formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

directed me to

Implies a formal command or direction, similar to 'instructed' but potentially with a slightly stronger connotation of authority.

told me to

A more informal and direct way of saying "instructed me to", suitable for casual contexts.

advised me to

Suggests guidance or a recommendation, rather than a strict order.

commanded me to

Indicates a strong, authoritative order; more forceful than "instructed me to".

ordered me to

Similar to 'commanded,' conveying a sense of authority and obligation.

requested me to

Implies a polite or formal request, softening the directive aspect.

asked me to

A simpler and more general way of indicating a request or instruction.

guided me to

Focuses on the act of leading or showing the way, rather than giving a specific command.

taught me to

Emphasizes the learning aspect, indicating that the instruction involved gaining a new skill or knowledge.

enjoined me to

A formal and somewhat archaic way of saying "instructed me to", implying a legal or moral obligation.

FAQs

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

Use "instructed me to" when you want to convey that someone gave you a specific direction or order. For example, "My supervisor instructed me to submit the report by Friday".

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

"Instructed me to" is more formal than "told me to". "Instructed" implies a more official or authoritative direction, whereas "told" is more general.

Are there more formal alternatives to "instructed me to"?

Yes, more formal alternatives include "directed me to", "commanded me to", or "ordered me to", depending on the context and the level of authority involved.

Can I use "instructed me to" in a negative context?

Yes, you can. For example, "The doctor instructed me not to lift heavy objects after the surgery".