instructions contains

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "instructions contains" is not correct in English.
It should be "instructions contain" to agree in number. You can use it when referring to what is included in a set of instructions, but ensure the subject and verb agree in number. Example: "The instructions contain detailed steps for assembling the furniture."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Download the instructions and not the form, because Section 7 of the instructions contains editable PDF forms.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Some postal voting instructions contained images that appeared to favour one result over the other.

The Guardian - Opinion

These rules are produced according to instructions contained within the code.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They venerated Laozi as a sage whose instructions, contained in his cryptic book, describe the perfect art of government.

Encyclopedia Britannica

follow the instructions contained in any legal or other notice that GNM issues to Client in respect of the Services (which may require Client to cease using certain elements of the Services).

The Guardian

Such machines function in a manner roughly analogous to the growth of living things, which build themselves, cell by cell, in accordance with rudimentary instructions contained within each nucleus.

The New Yorker

(a) You will: Follow the instructions contained in any legal or other notice that we bring to your attention in connection with the GNM Videos, including without limitation notice to remove a GNM Video from your site.

The Guardian

Having ridiculed the king in some verses, tradition relates, he was sent with a letter to the ruler of Bahrain and, in accordance with the instructions contained in the letter, was buried alive.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Client shall: 10.3.1 follow any instructions contained in any notice that GNM issues to Client in relation to printing any corrections, clarifications or apologies in respect of the Services immediately on receipt of notice to do so from GNM; and 10.3.2.

The Guardian

That number rose to three, she added, during almost 30 hours of deliberations in which they scrutinised jury instructions containing an explanation of Florida's controversial stand-your-ground law, which states that a person has no duty to retreat from an attack.

The Guardian

The instructions contained in each of these tasks are defined in the software_generation block.

EURASIP Journal on Embedded Systems

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always ensure subject-verb agreement. Since "instructions" is plural, use the plural verb "contain" instead of "contains". For example, use "The instructions contain detailed steps."

Common error

Avoid using the singular verb form "contains" with the plural noun "instructions". This error leads to grammatically incorrect sentences and can confuse readers. Always use the plural verb form "contain" with "instructions".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "instructions contains" is grammatically incorrect as it violates subject-verb agreement. "Instructions" is a plural noun, and therefore requires the plural verb form "contain". As Ludwig AI suggests, the correct form is "instructions contain".

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

28%

News & Media

22%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

13%

Formal & Business

13%

Reference

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "instructions contains" is grammatically incorrect. The plural noun "instructions" requires the plural verb form "contain". Ludwig AI confirms this, suggesting that "instructions contain" is the correct form. While the intended purpose is usually to inform or guide, the grammatical error undermines its effectiveness, especially in formal contexts. Instead, use phrases like "instructions include", "instructions comprise", or ensure correct subject-verb agreement with "the instructions contain". Remember to always prioritize grammatical accuracy to maintain clarity and credibility in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

instructions include

Change in verb to ensure subject-verb agreement.

instructions comprise

Change in verb to ensure subject-verb agreement.

instructions detail

Change in verb to ensure subject-verb agreement.

instructions list

Change in verb to ensure subject-verb agreement.

instructions cover

Change in verb to ensure subject-verb agreement.

instructions present

Change in verb to ensure subject-verb agreement.

instructions specify

Change in verb to ensure subject-verb agreement.

instructions consist of

Change in verb and addition of preposition to ensure correct grammar.

instructions encompass

Change in verb to ensure subject-verb agreement.

the instructions contain

Addition of article "the" to create a more specific and grammatically sound phrase.

FAQs

How to correct "instructions contains"?

The correct form is "instructions contain". The word "instructions" is plural, so it needs the plural verb form "contain". For example, "The instructions contain all the necessary steps."

What's the difference between "instructions contain" and "instructions includes"?

"Instructions contain" is correct as it uses the plural verb form. "Instructions includes" is grammatically incorrect. Consider alternatives like "instructions include" for better phrasing.

Can I use "instructions contains" if I'm talking about a single instruction?

No, even when referring to a single set of instructions, "instructions" remains plural. The correct usage is still "instructions contain". If you're referring to a single instruction, use "instruction contains" which is also incorrect, but using single instruction you can use alternatives like "instruction includes".

What can I say instead of "instructions contains"?

Use "instructions contain". Other alternatives include "instructions include", "instructions comprise", or "instructions detail", depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.