she was instructed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "she was instructed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone has been given directions or orders to follow. Example: "After the meeting, she was instructed to prepare the report by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Peggy Jordaan did as she was instructed.

The Guardian

She was instructed to take time off work.

Harvard Business Review

At the tented clinic, she was instructed to take a seat on a bench.

The New York Times

She was instructed to react to the moment of her character's deflowering — in close-up.

The New York Times

She said that she was instructed to remove all climate-change references from it.

The New Yorker

She was instructed to use the Stanislavski system to prepare for the role.

The Guardian - Books

She was instructed to buy him an airplane ticket to Katmandu through a deportation officer.

The New York Times

She grew up in colonial Nigeria, where she was instructed by British teachers.

The Guardian

Since the iPads' cameras are on their extreme left, she was instructed to look at the iPads' left halves.

Columbia University

When the Royal Court told her they were taking the play on, she was instructed not to tell a soul.

The Guardian

NRK confirmed that she was instructed not to wear it after viewers complained that the symbol compromised her neutrality.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "she was instructed", ensure the context clearly indicates who provided the instructions. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid overusing passive voice constructions like "she was instructed" if it obscures who gave the instructions. Sometimes, active voice is more direct and impactful, for example, "The doctor instructed her to rest".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "she was instructed" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject (she) received an action (instruction). According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. Examples show its utility in conveying directions or orders received.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

23%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

6%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "she was instructed" is a grammatically sound and widely used passive construction indicating that someone received specific directions or orders. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and versatile. It commonly appears in News & Media, Science, and Academia contexts, suggesting a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. When writing, ensure the context clearly indicates the source of the instructions and avoid overuse of passive voice for clarity. Alternatives like "she was directed" or "she was told" may be used depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

she was directed

This alternative uses a different verb to convey the same meaning of receiving an order or instruction.

she was told

A more general phrase indicating that information or instructions were conveyed to her.

she received instructions

Focuses on the act of receiving the instructions rather than the act of instructing.

she was ordered

Implies a more formal or authoritative command was given.

she was advised

Indicates that she received guidance or recommendations.

she was commanded

Suggests a strong, authoritative instruction, often in a military or formal setting.

she was assigned

Implies a task or duty was given to her.

she was tasked

Similar to 'assigned', but emphasizes the responsibility given to her.

she was guided

Suggests she received help or advice to do something.

she was coached

Indicates she received training or specific guidance to improve her performance.

FAQs

What does "she was instructed" mean?

The phrase "she was instructed" means that someone gave her specific directions, orders, or guidance on what to do. It implies that she received instructions from an authority or someone with knowledge on the subject.

What are some alternatives to "she was instructed"?

You can use alternatives such as "she was directed", "she was told", or "she was ordered" depending on the context.

Is "she was instructed" formal or informal?

The phrase "she was instructed" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its formality depends more on the surrounding language and the specific situation.

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

You can use "she was instructed" in a sentence like this: "After the meeting, "she was instructed" to prepare a detailed report." This indicates that someone gave her the specific task of creating the report.