instructed to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "instructed to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to indicate that someone has been given specific instructions or commands to do something. For example, "The captain was instructed to steer the ship away from the storm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"I was instructed to stop shooting".

The New Yorker

Davis was instructed to avoid extreme fatigue.

The New York Times

I was instructed to stop.

The New York Times - Style

"We were instructed to play it.

The New York Times - Sports

I'm instructed to avoid anything negative.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Instructed to go to in-laws'.

The New York Times

International flights to Kathmandu have been instructed to refuel elsewhere.

The Guardian

Open the box, and you're instructed to go to getpebble.com.com

The Guardian - Tech

They were also instructed to keep it locked at night.

The New York Times

Doctors are instructed to remain wary of any new technology.

The New Yorker

Go to class," the librarian instructed, to little avail.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the context clearly identifies who gave the instructions and who received them to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "instructed to" is generally acceptable in various contexts, be mindful of the specific situation. In highly informal settings, consider using simpler alternatives like "told to" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "instructed to" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that someone has received directions or commands. As supported by Ludwig, this construction is frequently used to convey that a person or group was given specific instructions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "instructed to" is a versatile construction used to indicate that someone has been given specific directions or commands. As noted by Ludwig, its grammatical status is correct, and it enjoys very common usage across various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and wiki sources. While generally neutral in tone, the formality can shift based on the source, with academic and scientific materials tending towards a slightly more formal register. When choosing alternatives, consider the nuance you wish to convey – whether it's a formal order (ordered to), a simple direction ("directed to"), or a friendly suggestion ("advised to"). Be aware of the level of formality needed in each context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

directed to

This alternative emphasizes the act of pointing or guiding someone towards a specific action or location, suggesting a more straightforward directive.

ordered to

This alternative implies a command given by someone in authority, suggesting a hierarchical relationship and a higher degree of obligation.

commanded to

Similar to "ordered to", this alternative conveys a strong sense of authority and obligation, often used in formal or military contexts.

advised to

This alternative suggests a recommendation or suggestion rather than a strict order, implying a more consultative approach.

told to

This alternative is a more informal way of saying "instructed to", suitable for casual conversation or less formal writing.

required to

This alternative focuses on the necessity or obligation to perform a certain action, often due to rules, regulations, or laws.

assigned to

This alternative suggests that a task or duty has been specifically given to someone, implying a degree of responsibility and accountability.

tasked with

This alternative highlights the specific task or duty that someone has been given, emphasizing the purpose or objective of the instruction.

given the responsibility to

This phrase indicates a formal delegation of duty, stressing accountability and often a higher expectation of performance

under orders to

This alternative emphasizes the obligatory nature of action, specifically referencing the source of authority and obedience.

FAQs

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

You can use "instructed to" to show that someone has received instructions to perform a specific action. For example, "The students were instructed to complete the assignment by Friday."

What are some alternatives to "instructed to"?

Alternatives include "directed to", "ordered to", "advised to", or "told to", depending on the level of formality you want to convey.

Is "instructed to" formal or informal?

"Instructed to" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It is appropriate for most writing and speaking situations, but in very casual conversations, simpler alternatives might be preferable.

What's the difference between "instructed to" and "asked to"?

"Instructed to" implies a higher degree of authority and obligation compared to "asked to". Being "instructed to" suggests a command or directive, while being "asked to" implies a request.