instructing me

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "instructing me" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone giving you directions or guidance on how to do something. Example: "The teacher was instructing me on how to solve the complex math problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

He's going to be instructing me on a different building trade each night".

The Guardian

He was instructing me that he knew about Motherwells and Rothkos".

The New York Times

"Nobody was instructing me to get out of Uzbekistan," he said.

The New Yorker

A few days later, I received a call instructing me to go to a fountain in the Latin Quarter.

The New Yorker

By the mid-1990s, bigger, slicker publishers were instructing me not even to read the books I was supposedly editing.

The Guardian - Opinion

"They'll sneak up on you," he said, instructing me to keep my head forward and stand watch over the trap.

The New York Times

The next day started with Catherine Zeta-Jones efficiently guiding me around an accident — and just as efficiently instructing me to "Continue.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

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

The New Yorker

Please instruct me".

The Guardian - Opinion

Now, please instruct me in this.

The New Yorker

They have a right to instruct me.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "instructing me" to convey formal teaching or guidance. For less formal situations, consider alternatives like "showing me how" or "guiding me".

Common error

Avoid using "instructing me" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for more natural alternatives like "telling me how" or "helping me with".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "instructing me" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a present participle verb ("instructing") followed by a direct object pronoun ("me"). As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Wiki

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "instructing me" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase, as Ludwig AI confirms, primarily found in News & Media. It describes the action of someone providing guidance or teaching to the speaker. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral or professional contexts and may sound overly formal in casual conversation. Consider alternatives like "guiding me" or "showing me how" for a less formal tone. When using "instructing me", ensure the context is clear about who is instructing and what the instruction involves.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

guiding me

Focuses on providing direction or assistance, often suggesting a more supportive role.

teaching me

Emphasizes the imparting of knowledge or skills, implying a more educational setting.

advising me

Highlights the offering of counsel or recommendations, suggesting a more consultative relationship.

directing me

Stresses the act of giving instructions or orders, implying a more authoritative position.

showing me how

Focuses on demonstrating a process or method, emphasizing practical learning.

training me

Implies a structured and systematic approach to developing skills or knowledge.

coaching me

Suggests a more personalized and supportive form of instruction, often focused on specific goals.

mentoring me

Highlights a longer-term, more in-depth relationship focused on guidance and development.

briefing me

Implies providing concise and relevant information, often in a formal setting.

tutoring me

Emphasizes individual instruction, often focused on specific subjects or skills.

FAQs

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

You can use "instructing me" to describe someone giving you directions or guidance. For example, "The coach was instructing me on the proper way to swing the bat."

What's a more informal alternative to "instructing me"?

If you want a less formal option, you could use phrases like "showing me", "teaching me", or "guiding me" depending on the specific context.

Is "instructing me" too formal for casual writing?

In some cases, yes. While grammatically correct, "instructing me" can sound stilted in casual conversation. Consider using a less formal alternative like "telling me" or "showing me how".

What is the difference between "instructing me" and "advising me"?

"Instructing me" suggests a more direct and authoritative form of guidance, while "advising me" implies offering suggestions or counsel. Instructing is more about teaching a specific skill or task, while advising is about providing an opinion or recommendation.