to be instructed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be instructed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of receiving guidance or directions from someone. Example: "The students are eager to be instructed on the new software program before the project begins."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But is the secretary of state willing to be instructed?

The Guardian

Most people do not attend the cinema to be instructed or enlightened, or brow-beaten.

The Guardian - Film

My biggest flaw is that I wait to be instructed to do anything.

The Guardian

A computer has to be instructed which DNS server to ask for the translation.

The Economist

"We did not come to be instructed about democracy," declared Mei Zhaorong, China's former ambassador to Germany.

The New York Times

Juliet was pleased to be instructed but also pleased when it came her turn to be the instructor.

The New Yorker

A jail is a strange place to be instructed in the power and the futility of words.

The New Yorker

But some international counselors also need to be instructed on the finer points of the American way of surrogate parenting.

The New York Times - Travel

Small children comfort other distressed children, even before they have developed the language skills to be instructed to do it.

The Guardian

Now obviously youths are not to be instructed with a view to their amusement, for learning is no amusement, but is accompanied with pain.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Also, you have to start eating on your own now, but you've never done that and haven't the cognitive or physical capacity to be instructed.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be instructed", consider the level of formality required by your audience. In formal contexts, it's a reliable choice. In informal settings, consider alternatives like "to be taught" or "to learn".

Common error

Avoid using "to be instructed" when the active voice is more direct and clear. For example, instead of "The students need to be instructed by the teacher", consider "The teacher needs to instruct the students".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be instructed" primarily functions as an infinitive phrase in the passive voice. This indicates the state of receiving guidance or teaching. Ludwig examples demonstrate it's use in contexts where someone is the recipient of instruction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

34%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be instructed" is a grammatically correct and very common infinitive phrase used to describe the act of receiving guidance or teaching. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is suitable for a range of contexts, from formal academic and scientific writing to news reports. While it's usage is widely accepted, consider the tone and audience when writing and choose active voice when possible for better clarity. Remember that while sources show the phrase is used widely, you can also use alternative phrases like "to be taught" or "to receive guidance" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to receive guidance

Focuses on the act of receiving help and direction.

to be taught

Emphasizes the learning aspect of the instruction.

to be educated

Suggests a more formal and comprehensive learning process.

to be trained

Implies a practical, skill-oriented instruction.

to be directed

Highlights the act of being given specific directions or orders.

to be coached

Suggests personalized instruction and support.

to be mentored

Implies a long-term, supportive instructional relationship.

to be briefed

Focuses on receiving concise and essential information.

to be enlightened

Highlights the gain of knowledge and understanding.

to be informed

Emphasizes the act of receiving information.

FAQs

How can I use "to be instructed" in a sentence?

You can use "to be instructed" to indicate that someone will receive guidance or teaching, as in "The new employees are "to be instructed" on the company's policies".

What are some alternatives to "to be instructed"?

Alternatives include phrases like "to be taught", "to receive guidance", or "to be trained", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "to be instructed" or "to learn"?

The choice depends on the context. "To be instructed" implies a formal teaching environment or a specific set of directions, while "to learn" is more general and can encompass self-directed learning.

What's the difference between "to be instructed" and "to be directed"?

"To be instructed" implies receiving comprehensive knowledge or skills. "To be directed" suggests receiving specific orders or guidance for a particular task. For instance, soldiers are directed, while students are instructed.