instruction

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'instruction' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to refer to a set of guidelines or information on how to do something, or when passing on advice or directing someone to do something. For example: "The instruction manual provides detailed instructions on how to assemble the furniture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I was eager to get going and Bobo had only one instruction: "Follow the camel".

The Guardian - Travel

After a traditional upbringing in the royal court and with no formal modern instruction, the king capitalised on this heritage.

The Guardian

Since then, Irish Catholics have been less inclined to follow every instruction or denunciation from the pulpit.

The Guardian

If Kate feels confident she could take a boat herself, full instruction is given.

The Guardian - Travel

Lamb had been insistent that Page 3 should not be sleazy (his deputy Bernard Shrimsley once making the notable retouching instruction: "Nipples too fantastic – make nipples less fantastic"), and he gave final say over publication of each day's photo to the women's editor, Joyce Hopkirk.

The Guardian

Ford tried their hand with the oddly charming Escape My Life, about a woman who gets a (wait for it) Ford Escape, only to find it comes with a human instruction manual whom she's obliged to live – and then fall in love – with.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Nicol, who said she had only "very basic" instruction in first aid during her initial police training, said she gave mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and heart massage for what seemed like "an awful long time" but felt no signs of life.

The Guardian

Sunsail has launched a new sailing school on Tortola, the biggest island, providing instruction, flotillas and charters, and it's easy to see why.

The Guardian - Travel

The independent inquiry into bullying and intimidation was commissioned under the instruction of health regulator Monitor, which oversaw the process.

The Guardian

Through a mixture of in-studio instruction and practical photography field trips, the course will teach you everything from how to use a light meter, to how to read a histogram and use shutter speed to best effect.

The Guardian

She resembles Kato – played by Burt Kwouk, in the Pink Panther films – who is under instruction to assail Inspector Clouseau at any time, which of course means when it is least wanted.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing technical documentation, use "instruction" to refer to specific steps or procedures for users to follow.

Common error

Avoid using the singular noun "instruction" when referring to a set of directions. Use the plural form "instructions" instead.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "instruction" is as a noun, referring to the act of teaching or providing guidance. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across numerous examples, showcasing its role in various sentence structures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "instruction" functions primarily as a noun, denoting the act of teaching or providing direction. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and versatile usage across a multitude of contexts, ranging from formal education to everyday guidance. It’s important to note the distinction between the singular "instruction", referring to general teaching, and the plural "instructions", which denotes specific sets of directions. As demonstrated by Ludwig, "instruction" is commonly found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Scientific contexts. Alternatives like "teaching", "guidance", and "direction" offer nuanced ways to express similar concepts, depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

teaching

This term focuses on the process of imparting knowledge or skills.

education

This highlights the broader development of knowledge and understanding.

guidance

This suggests advice or direction provided to someone.

direction

This emphasizes a course or route to be followed.

command

This implies a formal order that must be obeyed.

order

Focuses on a directive given with authority.

prescription

Specifies a detailed set of rules or actions.

manual

Relates to a document providing detailed steps or processes.

coaching

Focuses on training and mentoring to improve skills.

training

Highlights a structured program for skill development.

FAQs

How is "instruction" used in a sentence?

You can use "instruction" to refer to the act of teaching, or a specific piece of guidance. For example, "The teacher provided clear instruction", or "Follow the instruction manual carefully".

What's the difference between "instruction" and "instructions"?

"Instruction" is a general term for teaching or guidance, while "instructions" refers to a specific set of directions or commands. Use "instructions" when referring to a list or sequence of steps.

What can I say instead of "instruction"?

You can use alternatives like "teaching", "guidance", or "direction" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "receive instruction in" or "receive instruction on"?

Both are correct, but "receive instruction in" is more common for subjects or areas of study, while "receive instruction on" is more common for specific tasks or procedures.