was being instructed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was being instructed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to an action that was in progress during a specific moment in the past. For example, "The student was being instructed on proper laboratory safety protocols when the accident occurred."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

I was being instructed by the Maestro himself.

The New Yorker

Some analysts on Friday concluded that General Gerasimov was being instructed to accept outdated Russian-made weaponry.

The New York Times

Scrolling through the series, I tried to remember where, exactly, I had tasted any of the items I was being instructed to cook.

The New Yorker

Then again, I was being instructed in a class of 30 pubescent boys, most of whom had nothing much on our minds save for … pubescence.

The Guardian

Mr. Walters said the F.D.A. was being instructed to improve labeling of commonly abused drugs and to provide doctors more information about the medicines they prescribe.

The New York Times

That same night another server was being instructed on how to open a wine bottle by diners at the next table.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

One insider said bankers were being instructed to make multimillion-euro transfers daily.

The Guardian

They assume, when they are being instructed by example or inference, that language corresponds fairly directly to experience.

The New Yorker

It strikes me that I am being instructed in the principles of interior design by one of the Avengers.

The Guardian - Film

Commanders are being instructed on how to identify the telltale signs of suicidal behavior as an early-warning system.

The New York Times

If they don't arrive, judges are being instructed to let voters fill out makeshift ballots on plain paper.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was being instructed" to clearly indicate that someone was in the process of receiving instruction at a specific point in the past.

Common error

Avoid using "was being instructed" when a simpler past tense like "was taught" or "was directed" would be more concise and appropriate. Overusing the passive voice can make your writing sound convoluted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was being instructed" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject of the sentence was receiving instruction or guidance from an external source. As supported by Ludwig AI, it highlights the process of instruction at a specific point in the past.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

13%

Science

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was being instructed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe an ongoing process of receiving instruction in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Predominantly found in news and media sources, this passive voice construction effectively communicates that someone was in the midst of learning or being directed. While various alternatives like "was being taught" or "was receiving guidance" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to use it judiciously to avoid convoluted sentence structures.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was being taught

Highlights the teaching aspect, similar to instruction.

was under instruction

Indicates a state of being subject to instruction.

was receiving guidance

Focuses on the receipt of guidance, rather than the act of instruction.

was being trained

Implies instruction focused on developing a specific skill or ability.

was being coached

Suggests a more personalized and supportive form of instruction.

was getting lessons

Emphasizes the learning aspect of instruction.

was being schooled

Suggests a more rigorous or formal type of instruction.

was being directed

Focuses on the aspect of being given directions or commands.

was being mentored

Implies a more personal and long-term guidance relationship.

was being drilled

Emphasizes repetitive instruction for mastery.

FAQs

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

Use "was being instructed" to describe an ongoing action of receiving instruction in the past. For example, "The new recruit was being instructed on how to operate the machinery."

What's the difference between "was being instructed" and "was taught"?

"Was being instructed" implies an ongoing process of instruction, while "was taught" suggests a completed action of learning. For example, "He was being instructed on the proper technique" versus "He was taught the proper technique".

What are some alternatives to "was being instructed"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "was being taught", "was receiving guidance", or "was under instruction".

Is it correct to say "am being instructed"?

Yes, "am being instructed" is grammatically correct. It's the present tense equivalent of "was being instructed", indicating that someone is currently receiving instruction.