was instructed

USAGE SUMMARY

"was instructed" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is a past tense verb that expresses that someone received instructions from someone else. Example: The pilot was instructed to take off immediately.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Davis was instructed to avoid extreme fatigue.

The New York Times

"I was instructed to stop shooting".

The New Yorker

I was instructed to stop.

The New York Times - Style

Keep it simple, he was instructed.

The New York Times - Sports

Peggy Jordaan did as she was instructed.

The Guardian

Sure, some of it was instructed.

The New York Times - Sports

One 767 was instructed to perform the standard approach.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The clerk was instructed to call the roll.

The New York Times

She was instructed to take time off work.

Harvard Business Review

He said he was instructed not to comment.

The Washington Post

One participant was instructed to use left arm and the other was instructed to use right arm.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was instructed", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what provided the instruction to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "was instructed" when the active voice would be more direct and clear. Overusing the passive voice can make your writing sound convoluted. For example, instead of "The report was instructed to be filed by John", write "John was instructed to file the report".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was instructed" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject received directions or commands. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. The examples show it employed in various contexts to convey that someone was given specific instructions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was instructed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase indicating that someone received directions or commands. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is suitable across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. While it's essential to avoid overusing the passive voice for clarity, "was instructed" serves well when the source of instruction is less important than the action itself. Alternatives like "received instructions" or "was directed" can offer slight variations in meaning. By adhering to best practices and avoiding common errors, writers can effectively utilize the phrase "was instructed" to convey precise and clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

received instructions

Focuses on the receipt of guidance rather than the act of being directed.

was directed

Emphasizes the act of direction, often implying a specific task or goal.

was ordered

Indicates a more forceful command than a simple instruction.

was commanded

Suggests a formal or authoritative directive.

was told

A more informal way of saying one received instructions.

was advised

Implies a recommendation rather than a strict order.

was guided

Focuses on assistance and direction, often suggesting a more supportive approach.

was taught

Indicates a learning process or the imparting of knowledge.

had been briefed

Suggests a formal delivery of information or instructions.

was coached

Implies training or preparation for a specific task.

FAQs

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

Use "was instructed" to indicate that someone received directions or commands. For example, "The pilot "was instructed to" maintain altitude" shows the pilot received an order.

What does "was instructed" mean?

The phrase "was instructed" means someone received guidance or orders on what to do, indicating they were directed by someone else. It implies a passive role, where the subject receives the instruction.

What's the difference between "was instructed" and "was ordered"?

"Was instructed" implies a direction or guidance, whereas "was ordered" suggests a more authoritative command that must be obeyed. The latter carries a stronger sense of authority.

Can I use "was instructed" in formal writing?

Yes, "was instructed" is suitable for formal writing. It's commonly used in reports, official documents, and academic papers to describe actions taken under direction.