instructions was sent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "instructions was sent" is not correct in written English.
The correct form should be "instructions were sent" since "instructions" is plural. Example: "The instructions were sent to all team members via email."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

On Monday morning, a new set of instructions was sent to the Phoenix, and the results, including more photographs, were expected soon.

The New York Times - Science

A standardized questionnaire with detailed instructions was sent to all eligible families.

BMC Infectious Diseases

A milk collection kit containing three 1.5-mL tubes, a plastic pipette, and instructions was sent before the scheduled visit.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Three weeks after that, a second package containing the same materials and instructions was sent to all physicians who had not responded.

British Journal of Cancer

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The design, color scheme & full instructions were sent to a rug weaver in Persia.

The New Yorker

After determining from which inventory point to ship the goods, instructions are sent to that warehouse to fill the order.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As a movement is being prepared, a replica of the instructions is sent to the cerebellum, which sends back its own information to the cerebral cortex.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When schools were reopened in Isis-held parts of Aleppo last year, detailed instructions were sent to school heads on how this was to be done.

Independent

Now the same technique has been used experimentally in laboratory rats in a study that could help with spinal-cord injuries.When the spinal cord is severed instructions being sent from the brain are interrupted.

The Economist

The next day clear instructions were sent to the officer - and copied to every other MI6 and MI5 officer in the field - explaining how to deal with this situation.

The Guardian

Mr. John Lind, President Wilson's confidential agent in Mexico, had cabled the State Department advising that this step be taken, and instructions were sent to Mexico City at once to impress Senor Huerta with the American Government's determination.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always ensure subject-verb agreement; use "instructions were sent" for grammatically correct phrasing.

Common error

Don't use "instructions was sent"; remember that "instructions" is plural and requires the plural verb "were".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "instructions was sent" attempts to describe the action of delivering instructions. However, it suffers from a grammatical error. Ludwig AI indicates that the correct form is "instructions were sent" because "instructions" is plural.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "instructions was sent" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrasing is "instructions were sent" because "instructions" is a plural noun. Ludwig AI advises focusing on alternatives like "instructions were dispatched" or "guidance was provided" to ensure grammatical accuracy. Although the incorrect phrase appears in various sources, maintaining proper grammar enhances clarity and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Instructions were dispatched

Changing the verb to 'were' corrects the grammatical error related to subject-verb agreement.

Guidance was provided

Using 'guidance' offers a more general term, replacing 'instructions' with a word that has similar connotations but different structural implications.

Directives were issued

The use of 'directives' suggests a more authoritative and formal issuance of instructions.

Orders were given

Substituting with 'orders' implies a command structure where instructions are not merely informative, but compulsory.

The procedure was communicated

Altering the sentence to focus on 'procedure' shifts the emphasis to the process being conveyed, rather than the instructions themselves.

Steps were outlined

Using 'steps' introduces a sequential aspect to the instructions, highlighting the process-oriented nature of the communication.

The brief was conveyed

Switching to 'brief' indicates concise instructions were communicated, suitable when the message is short and to the point.

Directions were transmitted

The word 'directions' implies a navigational aspect to the instructions, especially when guiding someone or something.

Information was forwarded

Changing to 'information' broadens the scope to any kind of data being sent, not just instructions.

A memo was circulated

Opting for 'memo' indicates a written form of instruction that is being distributed to a group.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say "instructions was sent"?

The correct way to phrase this is "instructions were sent". Since "instructions" is plural, it requires the plural form of the verb "to be", which is "were".

What can I say instead of "instructions was sent"?

You can use alternatives like "instructions were dispatched", "guidance was provided", or "directives were issued" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "instructions was sent" or "instructions were sent"?

"Instructions were sent" is grammatically correct. "Instructions was sent" is incorrect due to subject-verb disagreement.

Why is "instructions was sent" considered grammatically incorrect?

The term "instructions" is plural, so it must be paired with the plural verb form "were". The singular verb form "was" does not agree with the plural subject.