on the instructions of

USAGE SUMMARY

"on the instructions of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to something that someone has requested or ordered to be done. Example: I completed the project on the instructions of my boss.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"There's a possibility he's being protected by members of the ANC, maybe on the instructions of 'number one' [president Jacob Zuma].

The Guardian

No-one thinks these officers, presumably acting on the instructions of their government, will end up on trial in a US court.

BBC

However, many of the most damning documents were destroyed on the instructions of ministers.

The Guardian

They were acquitted on the instructions of Mr Justice McKinnon due to a lack of evidence.

The Guardian

Lorong Konchok was reported to have confessed to acting on the instructions of the Dalai Lama.

The Economist

On the instructions of the Archbishop of Dublin, McGahern was sacked from his job as a primary school teacher.

The Guardian - Books

Another person also allegedly hacked on the instructions of Edmondson was Mark Oaten, a prominent Liberal Democrat MP, in 2006.

The Guardian

The arrests were made by Swiss police acting on the instructions of the US Department of Justice.

The Guardian - Sport

It was supposedly composed on the instructions of Mr Haqqani acting on behalf of President Asif Zardari.

The Economist

He was roughly treated in the selection process, probably on the instructions of those who fear courts with sharper teeth.

The Economist

Their effigies, made on the instructions of the oracle, are among the most numerous of all classes of African sculpture.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on the instructions of" when you want to clearly indicate that an action was taken because someone else directed it. This is especially useful in formal or legal contexts.

Common error

Ensure the subject giving the instructions is clearly identified to avoid confusion. For example, instead of "The task was completed on the instructions", specify "The task was completed on the instructions of the manager".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the instructions of" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun, indicating the source of direction or command for an action. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable. For example, "The report was modified on the instructions of the editor."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Wiki

22%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on the instructions of" is a prevalent and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to denote that an action was carried out under someone else's orders or guidance. As Ludwig AI indicates, its correct and usable in written English. It is frequently found in news and media, encyclopedias, and wiki sources, suggesting a neutral to professional register. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by explicitly specifying who issued the instructions. Related phrases include "under the direction of" and "at the behest of", providing alternatives depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under the direction of

This alternative emphasizes guidance and supervision during the execution of a task.

as directed by

This option highlights that the action was specifically guided.

at the behest of

This phrase suggests a more formal or authoritative command, often implying urgency or importance.

acting under orders from

This option stresses the immediate influence of a command on the actor's behavior.

under the guidance of

This option emphasizes the supportive role of the person providing instructions.

following orders from

This alternative emphasizes the compliance aspect of carrying out a command.

in compliance with the directives of

This phrase emphasizes the adherence to a set of formal instructions or guidelines.

on the authority of

This suggests that the action is backed by the power or right of someone else.

pursuant to the orders of

This phrase indicates that the action is carried out in accordance with a formal decree.

by command of

This highlights the authoritative source behind the order.

FAQs

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

You can use "on the instructions of" to indicate that an action was performed because someone directed it. For example, "The documents were destroyed "on the instructions of" the CEO".

What are some alternatives to using "on the instructions of"?

Some alternatives include phrases like "under the direction of", "at the behest of", or "as directed by", depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "on the instructions of" or "under the orders of"?

"On the instructions of" and "under the orders of" are both quite formal, but "on the instructions of" tends to be more common in official or professional settings. "Under the orders of" has a stronger military connotation.

How does "on the instructions of" differ from "with the permission of"?

"On the instructions of" indicates a directive or order that must be followed, whereas "with the permission of" implies consent or authorization but not necessarily a direct command. One is obligatory, the other is permissive.