on the instruction of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on the instruction of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate something was done following guidance from someone else, usually someone in a position of authority. For example: "I submitted my report on the instruction of my manager."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Most of the children (82.2%) involved in labour activities did so on the instruction of one or both parents in order to contribute to family income.

BMC International Health and Human Rights

Dopexamine was administered to 55 patients in the GDT group and, on the instruction of clinical staff, to one patient in the control group.

Critical Care

As for the 25 volumes of his diaries – destroyed after his death by his secretary and former lover Betty Mackereth, on the instruction of Monica Jones – well, had they survived "one might have learned whether this shy, tormented man ever came close to the dock".

The Guardian - Books

Kemp first went to London on the instruction of David Hockney.

The Guardian

On the instruction of the doctors at the clinic I haven't eaten since breakfast, so the Big Mac is welcome.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Throughout the 1960s her protests were largely ignored at the corporation on the instruction of the then DG, Hugh Greene.

The Guardian - Books

The curriculum places special emphasis on the instruction of basic skills including reading, essay writing and extemporaneous speech.

The New York Times

"On the instruction of Commodore Luce," it reported, "the animal will be offered for sale for the benefit of the British Red Cross".

The Guardian

The tunnels were built on the instruction of a wealthy tobacco merchant, Joseph Williamson - the "mole of Edge Hill" - at the beginning of the 19th century.

The Guardian - Travel

It was painted there on the instruction of Joe Maddon, who wears dark, thick-framed glasses that might otherwise peg him as an architect or a film editor.

The New Yorker

This study was on the instruction of Thai language for Thai children in Switzerland, a case study at the Sunday Buddhism School, Srinagarindravararam Temple, 2010.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on the instruction of" when you want to clearly indicate that an action was carried out because someone in authority directed it. This adds a layer of accountability and clarifies the decision-making process.

Common error

Avoid using "on the instruction of" to obscure responsibility. While it clarifies who gave the instruction, ensure the sentence still clearly states who performed the action. Otherwise you risk obfuscating who is ultimately responsible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the instruction of" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun. It indicates that an action was performed because someone in a position of authority directed or ordered it. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct to use in writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

22%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on the instruction of" serves as a prepositional phrase, commonly employed to denote that an action was executed following someone's directive. As verified by Ludwig AI, its grammatical correctness and broad applicability across diverse writing styles make it a versatile choice. Analysis of example sentences reveals its frequent appearance in "News & Media", "Science", and "Academia", indicating a neutral to formal register. Related alternatives include "under the direction of" and "at the behest of", each offering nuanced variations in formality and emphasis. Effective use involves clarifying accountability without obscuring responsibility. In essence, "on the instruction of" effectively attributes actions to specific directives, enhancing clarity and context in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under the direction of

Replaces "instruction" with "direction", emphasizing guidance rather than a specific command.

following the orders of

Highlights obedience and adherence to instructions.

as directed by

A more concise way of saying the action was guided by someone.

upon the orders of

Focuses on the authoritative nature of the command.

on the command of

Similar to "upon the orders of" but uses "command" instead.

at the behest of

More formal and emphasizes that the action was done as a request or command.

acting under orders from

Emphasizes the actor's compliance with given orders.

in accordance with the guidelines of

Indicates conformity to established guidelines.

as per the advice of

Suggests the action was based on someone's recommendation.

pursuant to the directive of

Very formal, often used in legal or official contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "on the instruction of" in a sentence?

You can use "on the instruction of" to show that someone performed an action because they were told to do so by someone else. For example, "The files were deleted "on the instruction of" the CEO".

What are some alternatives to "on the instruction of"?

Some alternatives include "under the direction of", "at the behest of", or "as directed by". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is "on the instruction of" formal or informal?

"On the instruction of" is generally considered to be neutral to formal. It is suitable for professional, academic, and news contexts. More informal alternatives might include phrases like "because [someone] said so."

What's the difference between "on the instruction of" and "under the guidance of"?

"On the instruction of" suggests a direct order or command, while "under the guidance of" implies advice or support. The former emphasizes authority, while the latter emphasizes mentorship or expertise.