is not instructed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not instructed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone has not received specific guidance or orders regarding a task or situation. Example: "The team member is not instructed to proceed with the project until further notice."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In his New Elucidation, he writes: "For the mind, even if it is not instructed as to the existence of … [the POC] … cannot but employ it everywhere, doing so spontaneously and in virtue of a certain necessity of its nature" (AK 1 391).

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The dress code was "glamorous" but, unlike last year, invitees were not instructed to avoid black tie.

The Guardian

He said that he was not instructed to do so by superiors.

The New York Times

The guards are "not instructed" to ask for ID, Mr. DePlasco said.

The New York Times

The officers were not instructed or authorised to shoot Azelle Rodney, or anyone else, come what may".

The Guardian

There is a closet in the room, but James, Pincock said, was not instructed to go in there.

The New York Times - Sports

Hole added that they had been searched on entry to the club but were not instructed to remove their shoes.

The Guardian - Music

Others believe the pills don't really work, which is partly because for many years Georgian women were not instructed on how to use them correctly.

The New York Times

Police tappers are bitter toward the graduates of the Treasury-Dept tappers, the pupils are not instructed in the technical details of wire-tapping.

The New Yorker

In evidence to the Commons select committee investigating hacking, BCL said in a letter: "BCL was not instructed by News Corp (or NGN Ltd or News International Ltd) at any time in 2007.

The Guardian

… we are not instructed how to do self- and peer-assessment in our writing courses.

Asian-Pacific Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is not instructed", ensure the context clearly indicates who is not giving instructions and who is not receiving them to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "is not instructed" automatically implies negligence. The lack of instruction may be intentional or appropriate depending on the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not instructed" primarily functions as a passive construction, indicating that someone is the recipient of a lack of instruction. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its usage across various contexts to denote the absence of specific directions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

67%

News & Media

31%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is not instructed" is a versatile construction used to denote the absence of specific guidance or direction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely employed across diverse contexts, particularly in scientific and news-related domains. While seemingly straightforward, understanding its nuances—especially regarding intended meaning and passive voice interpretation—is crucial for effective communication. When writing, carefully consider the context to ensure clarity and avoid potential misinterpretations, especially when explaining potential negligence. Related phrases, such as "is not directed" or "is not informed", can provide alternate ways to express the same sentiment, depending on the specific emphasis desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not directed

Emphasizes a lack of explicit orders or commands.

is not authorized

Focuses on the absence of official permission or sanction.

is not permitted

Highlights that something is not allowed or granted.

is not allowed

Similar to 'is not permitted', but can imply a more general prohibition.

is not informed

Indicates a lack of knowledge or awareness about something.

is not told

A simpler, more direct way of saying 'is not informed'.

is not advised

Suggests a lack of recommendation or counsel.

is not guided

Focuses on the absence of support or mentorship.

is not coached

Highlights the absence of training or tutoring.

is not schooled

Emphasizes a lack of formal or informal education on a topic.

FAQs

What does "is not instructed" mean?

The phrase "is not instructed" means that someone has not been given specific directions or orders on how to perform a task or behave in a certain situation.

How can I use "is not instructed" in a sentence?

You can use it to indicate a lack of guidance. For example: "The team member "was not instructed" to proceed with the project."

Which is a better alternative to "is not instructed", "is not directed" or "is not told"?

The best alternative depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. "is not directed" implies a lack of formal orders, while "is not told" simply means a lack of information.

Is "was not instructed" grammatically correct?

Yes, "was not instructed" is grammatically correct. The tense will depend by the time of the instruction that might have happened, for example "they were not instructed".