was instructed about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was instructed about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone being given information or guidance regarding a specific topic or task. Example: "He was instructed about the new safety protocols during the training session."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Only one group, however, was instructed about the principle that water bends (refracts) light.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Before appliance removal, each patient was instructed about the study objectives.

Progress in Orthodontics

They also know that the jury was instructed about the definition of self-defense.

Huffington Post

Most followers of the Zimmerman trial know that the jury was instructed about the definitions of both second-degree murder and the lesser-included offense of manslaughter.

Huffington Post

This person was instructed about the purpose of the meeting.

BMC Palliative Care

Specific precautions based on contact transmission were implemented and the staff was instructed about hand hygiene with alcohol-based hand rub.

Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

After reading and rating the 50 items of Questionnaire 1, the participants were divided into two groups before answering Questionnaire 2. The first group (control n = 33, 21 men and 12 women) was asked to answer Questionnaire 2 without being instructed about rationality; thus, they received the same instructions as the control group in Experiment 1.

Behavioral and Brain Functions

But his training was inadequate in that he had not been instructed about Spads.

The Guardian

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

The New York Times

"Police officers and parking enforcement agents have been instructed about the problem and directed to use discretion," said Paul J. Browne, chief spokesman for the New York Police Department.

The New York Times

When customers see their results on the screen, they are instructed about which findings are based on widely accepted science and which are less certain because the research is considered preliminary.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was instructed about", ensure the context clearly specifies who provided the instruction and what the subject of the instruction was. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "was instructed about" without specifying who provided the instruction. For instance, instead of "He was instructed about the process", specify "He was instructed by his manager about the process" to provide better context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was instructed about" functions as a passive construction indicating that someone received information or guidance on a specific topic. This can be observed in the Ludwig examples where individuals or groups receive instructions on various subjects. Ludwig AI has confirmed its correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was instructed about" is a grammatically correct passive construction used to indicate that someone received information or guidance on a specific subject. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is most commonly found in scientific and news contexts, suggesting a neutral to professional register. The phrase's purpose is to communicate the reception of information, and it is important to specify the source of the instruction to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "was informed about" or "received instructions on".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

received instructions on

Focuses on the reception of instructions rather than the act of instruction.

was informed regarding

Emphasizes the act of being informed, adding a slightly more formal tone.

was educated on

Highlights the educational aspect, suggesting a more in-depth learning experience.

was briefed on

Implies a concise and focused delivery of information.

was given guidance on

Focuses on the guidance aspect, suggesting support and direction.

was apprised of

A more formal way of saying 'was informed'.

learned about

Highlights the learning process rather than the instruction itself.

was taught concerning

Emphasizes the act of being taught, suggesting a more structured learning environment.

was coached regarding

Suggests a more personalized and interactive form of instruction.

had been directed on

Focuses on the directive aspect, suggesting a specific course of action.

FAQs

What does "was instructed about" mean?

The phrase "was instructed about" means someone was given specific information, directions, or training regarding a particular topic or task. It indicates a transfer of knowledge or guidance from one party to another.

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

You can use "was instructed about" to describe a situation where someone received information or training. For example, "The staff "was instructed about hand hygiene"" or "The jury "was instructed about self-defense"".

What are some alternatives to "was instructed about"?

Alternatives to "was instructed about" include "was informed about", "was briefed on", or "received training on". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "was instructed about" or "learned about"?

"Was instructed about" is generally more formal than "learned about". "Was instructed about" implies a structured or directed learning process, while "learned about" can refer to a more informal or self-directed acquisition of knowledge.