please instruct

USAGE SUMMARY

"please instruct" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when you are asking someone to give instruction, explain to someone what to do, or to direct someone in a certain manner. For example: "Please instruct your team to review all the data before making a decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Please instruct me".

The Guardian - Opinion

Now, please instruct me in this.

The New Yorker

Mr. Tripodi's reply: "Please instruct us where to send the body when the test is complete".

The New York Times

When I answered that I was and could he please instruct me to Borough Hall, he replied: "Nope.

The New York Times

Please instruct cashiers to apologize to the customer and explain that we do not currently accept Apple Pay, but will have our own mobile wallet next year".

TechCrunch

Mr. Secretary, please instruct the federal government--in partnership with hedge fund managers and forward-thinking investors--to relieve me of my toxic assets.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

("Stay on the runners, please," instructed our guide).

The New York Times - Travel

Listeners can skip songs as they please, or instruct the station to play more of a certain type.

The New York Times

That piece of the law, sometimes referred to as the "papers, please" provision, will instruct police to ask about immigration status when they have "reasonable suspicion" that a person may be undocumented.

Huffington Post

If anyone feels unable to fairly weigh this case because of 9/11 and its myriad aftershocks, the judge instructed, please come forward.

The New York Times

Please, professor, don't instruct your students that greed is good.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing an email or formal correspondence, using "please instruct" can be a polite way to request guidance or clarification on a particular matter. It conveys respect and acknowledges the recipient's expertise.

Common error

Avoid using "please instruct" in casual conversations with friends or family. It can sound overly formal or even sarcastic. Opt for simpler phrases like "can you explain" or "how do I do this" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "please instruct" functions as an imperative request. It's used to politely ask someone to give instructions or guidance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and usable phrase in written English. The provided examples in Ludwig show it used in various contexts, such as seeking directions or requesting clarification.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

28%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "please instruct" is a grammatically correct phrase used to politely request guidance or directions. As Ludwig AI highlights, it serves as an imperative request suitable for various written contexts, including news articles, scientific papers, and business communications. While generally professional and neutral, it should be used sparingly in casual settings. Remember to be specific with your request for instruction to ensure clarity. Similar phrases like "kindly advise" or "please guide me" offer alternative ways to convey your need for direction, depending on the level of formality required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

kindly advise

Emphasizes politeness and seeks guidance on a course of action, more formal.

please guide me

Focuses on seeking personal guidance, suggesting a mentor-mentee relationship.

could you explain

Requests a clarification or detailed explanation, less direct.

tell me how to proceed

Seeks direction on a specific task or situation, more action-oriented.

advise me on

More formal way to ask for advice regarding a particular subject

please show me

Requests a practical demonstration, focusing on visual learning.

can you clarify

Seeks to remove ambiguity about a specific topic, focusing on simplification.

give me directions

Asks for specific, step-by-step instructions, typically for navigation.

please enlighten me

A more formal request for knowledge, suggesting a lack of understanding.

walk me through it

Requests a thorough explanation, implying a complex process.

FAQs

How do I use "please instruct" in a sentence?

Use "please instruct" when you need someone to provide guidance or direction on a specific matter. For example, "Please instruct the team on the new procedures" or "Please instruct me on how to operate this machine".

What are some alternatives to "please instruct"?

Alternatives to "please instruct" include "kindly advise", "please guide me", or "could you explain", depending on the context and level of formality.

Is "please instruct" formal or informal?

"Please instruct" is generally considered a polite and somewhat formal way to request guidance. It's suitable for professional and official communications but may sound too formal in casual conversations.

When is it appropriate to use "please instruct"?

It is appropriate to use "please instruct" in situations where you are seeking guidance from someone in a position of authority or expertise, such as a supervisor, instructor, or specialist. It is also suitable for formal written communication such as emails or letters.