instruction of how

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "instruction of how" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used incorrectly when trying to convey a method or process for doing something. Example: "I need clear instruction of how to complete this task."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"It was not a report that gave instruction of how to produce anthrax or anthrax vaccine".

The New York Times

In addition, the scale to use for reporting self-reported sleepiness (KSS) was sent home together with an instruction of how to train before the arrival.

European Transport Research Review

But it is just as preposterous to hand our children a tool without any instruction of how it works and what it can do.

Huffington Post

Whilst no specific instruction of how to stand was given, all subjects stood with their feet parallel.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Regarding this issue, the ESUR guidelines lack a consistent instruction of how to generate the overall PI-RADS score [ 10].

BioMed Research International

In addition, they offer a step-by-step instruction of how to establish eLN systems in everyday laboratory practice based on the successful implementation of eLNs in their own institution.

F1000Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

At Holy Temple Baptist Church, two miles down the road, the state of Oklahoma was offering the residents of Sooner Haven three days of instruction on how to get and stay married.

The New Yorker

The artist had provided instructions of how to create the image for the people putting the exhibition together.

The Guardian

"If we're going to be a world-class city, we need guidelines that lay out the operating instructions of how we get there".

The New York Times

She initially had given the nanny a lengthy list of precise instructions of how to care for her children and took brief maternity leaves..

The New Yorker

She initially had given the nanny a lengthy list of precise instructions of how to care for her children and took brief maternity leaves.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use "instructions on how" or "guidance on how" instead of "instruction of how" for grammatically correct and clear communication.

Common error

Avoid using "of" after "instruction" when describing a process. The correct preposition to use is "on". For example, say "instructions on how to bake a cake" not "instruction of how to bake a cake".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "instruction of how" functions as a prepositional phrase attempting to describe a method or process. However, it's grammatically incorrect. It aims to provide details on how something should be done, but the incorrect preposition obscures its function.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "instruction of how" is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided in formal writing. As Ludwig AI points out, the correct alternative is "instructions on how". Although the phrase appears in both news and scientific sources, its incorrectness diminishes its suitability. To ensure clear and correct communication, always opt for grammatically sound alternatives. Using the right alternative enhances clarity and credibility, avoiding potential confusion. Remember to always use "on" instead of "of" in this type of construction to express guidance or directions correctly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

instructions on how

Uses "on" instead of "of", which is the standard and grammatically correct preposition in this context. It's a direct replacement that maintains the original meaning.

guidance on how

Replaces "instruction" with "guidance", suggesting a more supportive and advisory approach rather than strict directives. The preposition "on" is also used.

directions on how

Substitutes "instruction" with "directions", implying a step-by-step guide. It also uses the correct preposition "on".

a guide to how

Offers a more comprehensive approach by using "a guide", indicating a detailed explanation or manual. It also requires the preposition "to."

teaching on how

Focuses on the act of imparting knowledge or skills, using "teaching" instead of "instruction". It uses "on" as the preposition.

education on how

Emphasizes a broader understanding and learning process, replacing "instruction" with "education". The correct preposition "on" is used.

explanation of how

Highlights the process of clarifying or detailing a method, using "explanation" instead of "instruction".

demonstration of how

Focuses on showing or illustrating a process, using "demonstration" instead of "instruction".

training in how

Implies a structured program to develop skills, using "training" instead of "instruction". The preposition "in" is used.

lesson on how

Suggests a specific learning session or module, replacing "instruction" with "lesson".

FAQs

What is the correct way to say "instruction of how"?

The grammatically correct alternatives are "instructions on how" or "guidance on how". The preposition "of" is incorrect in this context.

When should I use "instructions on how" versus "guidance on how"?

"Instructions on how" implies a more directive, step-by-step approach, while "guidance on how" suggests a more supportive and advisory role. Choose the phrase that best fits the context of your communication.

Can I use other words instead of "instruction" in this phrase?

Yes, depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "directions on how", "a guide to how", or "teaching on how".

Is "instruction of how" ever correct?

No, "instruction of how" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. Always use "instructions on how" or a similar alternative.