they received instructions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they received instructions" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a situation where individuals were given guidance or directives to follow. Example: "After the meeting, they received instructions on how to proceed with the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

They said some of the suspects said they received instructions directly from Khalil Wazir, also known as Abu Jihad, who is Arafat's top-ranking aide.

The Washington Post

"Some opposition group has gathered … They received instructions and performed acts of sabotage by setting certain locations on fire," Rogozhkin was quoted as saying by local media.

The Guardian

They received instructions to cause specific outcomes to occur by pressing a key, but the task was designed to match or mismatch the color outcome with the participants' goal.

Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging

Following the visit, patients were escorted to a tent pharmacy where they received instructions and medications.

Autoimmunity Highlights

they received instructions about how to read an SMS on the mobile phone, how to read the information on the PDA, and they were introduced to the voice messages giving them the route information the auditory way.

European Transport Research Review

No further details were supplied in the wake of that first note until earlier this week, when users began to note that they received instructions to use Stripe for payments instead, with a timeline for Flint's full shutdown.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

In two experiments, participants made inferences from weather maps, before and after they received instruction about relevant meteorological principles.

Learning and Instruction

But after they received instruction in those areas -- that is, after their actual competence rose -- their sense of their competence diminished.

The New York Times - Magazine

The students, chosen by lottery, attended weekly sessions on campus, where they received instruction from Stanford faculty and Bay Area humanities experts.

Stanford University

They also did camp work for the White Plains Youth Bureau; ran summer camp for Summerfield United Methodist Church in Port Chester; worked at the Saturday food pantry there; worked at Holy Rosary Church in Port Chester, which also has a food pantry; and provided child care to help Hispanic mothers while they received instruction under other Family Services programs.

The New York Times

There were about thirty-five ginls in the school; they received instruction from Ruskin in several subjects, including art and Bible studies... Given the history of his appetites, we find it astounding that such a man could get such a job, let alone make a respectable success of it; but we are not Victorians.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they received instructions", ensure the context clearly indicates who "they" refers to and what the instructions pertain to. Providing specific details enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "they received instructions" without clearly establishing who "they" are. Before using the phrase, make sure the subject is explicitly mentioned in the preceding sentences to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they received instructions" typically functions as a clause within a sentence, indicating that a group (represented by "they") was given directions or commands on what to do. Ludwig AI indicates that this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "they received instructions" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to convey that a group has been given specific directions or commands. As Ludwig AI confirms, its applications span various contexts, from scientific studies to news reports. While the phrase maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse communication styles, it's essential to ensure the subject "they" is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "they were directed" or "they were briefed" can offer nuanced variations of this meaning. This phrase, while simple, effectively communicates the imparting of knowledge or directives to a group, providing a foundation for understanding subsequent actions or events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were directed

Focuses on the act of being guided or ordered, rather than the specific content of the instructions.

they were given guidance

Emphasizes the supportive aspect of the instructions, suggesting help and advice were provided.

they were briefed

Implies a concise and informative session where necessary information was conveyed.

they were informed

Highlights the act of being notified or made aware of certain procedures or information.

they were taught

Suggests a learning process where knowledge and skills were imparted.

they were commanded

Focuses on the authoritative aspect of the instruction, implying a strict order.

they were schooled

Implies a more thorough and formal instruction process.

they were lectured

Suggests a formal and didactic delivery of information.

they were filled in

Implies that they were updated on details that were previously unknown.

they were walked through

Emphasizes a step-by-step explanation or demonstration of a process.

FAQs

How can I use "they received instructions" in a sentence?

You can use "they received instructions" to indicate that a group of people were given directives or guidance. For example: "After the training session, they received instructions on how to use the new software."

What are some alternatives to saying "they received instructions"?

Alternatives include phrases like "they were directed", "they were given guidance", or "they were briefed", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "they received instructions"?

Yes, "they received instructions" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written and spoken English to indicate that a group of people were given directives or guidance.

What's the difference between "they received instructions" and "they were informed"?

"They received instructions" implies a directive or order was given, while "they were informed" simply means they were made aware of something. The former suggests action is expected, while the latter doesn't necessarily.