was instructed by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was instructed by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone received directions or orders from another person or authority. Example: "The team was instructed by the manager to complete the project by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I was instructed by the receivers to have no communication with the students.

The Guardian

She grew up in colonial Nigeria, where she was instructed by British teachers.

The Guardian

Mr. Bondurant said he was instructed by the Justice Department to "go with what we had".

The New York Times

Reporter watched a lesson at John Jay Park which was instructed by John Sullivan.

The New Yorker

Mr. Baweja said he was instructed by headquarters in Nashville not to release the tally.

The New York Times

Before going, Barlow was instructed by Charles Burke, his immediate superior in the C.I.A., to tell the truth, if asked.

The New Yorker

King Lalibela, it is said, was instructed by God to build churches that the world had never seen.

The New York Times

But he was instructed by the team owner, Rick Hendrick, not to wreck Gordon, and Busch agreed.

The New York Times - Sports

As the plane flew over the Mediterranean, he was instructed by air-traffic control to descend to 35,000ft.

Independent

As a young man, Bhaktivedanta was instructed by his teacher to carry Krishna Consciousness to the West.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Abū Muslim was instructed by the imam and then sent to Khorāsān (745 46) to instigate a revolt.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was instructed by", ensure the context clearly indicates who gave the instruction and what the instruction entailed. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "was instructed by" without clearly identifying the source of the instruction. Vague references can confuse the reader and weaken the statement's credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was instructed by" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject received direction or orders from an external source. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was instructed by" is a grammatically correct and widely used passive construction that indicates the receipt of directions or orders from an external source. As Ludwig AI reports, it is commonly found in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the source of the instruction. For alternative phrasing, consider "was directed by" or "was commanded by", depending on the context. It's essential to maintain clarity and avoid misattributing the source of the instruction. With a strong presence across various authoritative sources, "was instructed by" remains a reliable way to convey directed action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was directed by

Focuses more on the action of directing rather than the formal instruction.

was guided by

Emphasizes a supportive and advisory role, rather than a command.

was commanded by

Highlights the authoritative nature of the instruction, implying a direct order.

was ordered by

Similar to commanded, but can apply to less formal situations.

was advised by

Suggests counsel or recommendation was given, not necessarily a strict instruction.

was told by

Simple and direct way of saying someone received information or instructions.

received instructions from

Rephrases the passive construction into an active one.

was taught by

Indicates learning or training received, not necessarily a specific instruction.

was educated by

Suggests a broader educational context, rather than a specific directive.

was briefed by

Implies a detailed explanation or set of instructions given before an event.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "was instructed by" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases like "was directed by", "was commanded by", or "received instructions from", depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "was instructed by" and "was advised by"?

"Was instructed by" implies a more direct order or command, while "was advised by" suggests a recommendation or suggestion that may or may not be followed.

Is it always necessary to include "by" after "was instructed"?

Yes, the preposition "by" is essential to indicate who provided the instruction. Without it, the sentence would be grammatically incorrect.

Can "was instructed by" be used in active voice?

Yes, the active voice equivalent would be "someone instructed someone else". For example, instead of "I was instructed by my manager", you could say "My manager instructed me".