it was instructed

USAGE SUMMARY

"it was instructed" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is a passive voice construction where the subject (it) is receiving the action (being instructed) rather than performing it. You can use this phrase when describing an event or action that was directed or ordered by someone else. For example: "The team was instructed by their coach to focus on their defense." "In the employee handbook, it is clearly instructed that all requests for time off must be submitted at least two weeks in advance." "The students were instructed to complete the assignment by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

It was instructed to gird on its satiri pen & by "the weapons of satire to expose the thieves of public property..."...

The New Yorker

The European Banking Authority found its capital base would be wiped out if the global economy and financial markets came under strain and it was instructed to take preemptive action to bolster its financial strength.

The Guardian - Business

Sure, some of it was instructed.

The New York Times - Sports

Because the process of downloading photographs was so slow, it was instructed to send them back in fragments.

The New Yorker

KPMG said it was instructed by Ireland's finance ministry to sell the assets no later than Dec. 31.

The New York Times

Renamed the State Porcelain Factory, it was instructed to produce works "revolutionary in content, perfect in form and flawless in technical execution".Abandoning the neoclassical decoration of the leading European porcelain factories, the painting workshops energetically adopted the new revolutionary aesthetic, led by Sergei Chekhonin, an artist and graphic designer.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

In addition to the letter, which was first reported by The Washington Post today, the French Foreign Ministry said it was instructing its diplomats in the United States to monitor the American news media for signs of any orchestrated anti-French campaign.

The New York Times

Ministers broadly believe they have stabilised the attitude of businesses, and continue to say that no company has withdrawn from the national scheme, although on Tuesday the entertainment retail giant HMV became the latest big employer to say it was instructing its stores no longer to take part.

The Guardian

The department said recently that it was instructing precinct commanders to review the legality of all stop-and-frisk reports, according to a report by WNYC.

The New York Times

Cissa Soletti, who works for the team's marketing department, told the newspaper it was instructing staff to gather at the club's HQ.

The Guardian

A recent article in The New York Times showed that Mr. Hynes did not object when Agudath Israel of America, an organization representing various Hasidic and other ultra-Orthodox factions, told him last summer that it was instructing adherent Jews to get permission from a rabbi before reporting allegations of sexual abuse to the authorities.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was instructed", ensure clarity regarding who provided the instruction. Specify the source of the instruction to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid overusing passive voice constructions like "it was instructed" as it can make your writing sound vague and less direct. Consider using active voice when appropriate to create stronger sentences. For example, instead of "It was instructed to sell the assets", try "Ireland's finance ministry instructed KPMG to sell the assets".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was instructed" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject received instructions from an external source. As Ludwig AI confirmed, it describes an action being directed or ordered. Examples show it in various contexts, such as organizations receiving directives or individuals being given specific tasks.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

31%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was instructed" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate that someone or something received specific instructions or directives. As Ludwig AI validates, it is a passive voice construction often found in news and media, scientific publications, and wiki articles. When using this phrase, ensure that the source of the instruction is clear to avoid ambiguity. Consider active voice alternatives for a more direct writing style. Common errors include overuse of the passive voice. While the phrase is generally acceptable, varying sentence structures will enhance clarity and conciseness in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was directed

Emphasizes the act of being given specific directions to follow.

it was ordered

Highlights the authoritative nature of the instruction, suggesting a command.

it was commanded

Stresses the forceful and mandatory aspect of the instruction.

it was advised

Indicates that guidance or counsel was given, often implying a recommendation.

it was told

A more informal way of saying instruction was given.

it was requested

Highlights that the action was asked for politely but still expected.

it was stipulated

Highlights that the requirement was explicitly specified as part of an agreement.

it was prescribed

Indicates a formal recommendation, often used in medical or legal contexts.

it was designated

Emphasizes that a particular role or function was assigned.

it was charged

Implies a formal responsibility or duty was assigned.

FAQs

How can I use "it was instructed" in a sentence?

You can use "it was instructed" to indicate that someone or something received specific directions or commands. For example, "The team "it was instructed" to focus on teamwork." or "The software "it was instructed" to perform a security check".

What are some alternatives to "it was instructed"?

Alternatives to "it was instructed" include "it was directed", "it was ordered", or "it was advised", depending on the context and the level of authority involved.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "instructed"?

While "it was instructed" is grammatically correct, using the active voice can often make your writing more direct and clear. Instead of the passive form, try using the active form: "The manager instructed the team".

What is the difference between "it was instructed" and "it was informed"?

"It was instructed" implies a command or directive, while "it was informed" simply means that information was conveyed. For example, "The soldier "it was instructed" to patrol the area", versus "The soldier "it was informed" about the patrol schedule".