was instructed to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was instructed to" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone was given specific directions or orders to do something. Example: "The new employee was instructed to attend a training seminar on their first day of work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"I was instructed to stop shooting".

The New Yorker

Davis was instructed to avoid extreme fatigue.

The New York Times

I was instructed to stop.

The New York Times - Style

Back in 1763, Maskelyne was instructed to do two things.

The Guardian

"I'm just doing what I was instructed to do".

The New York Times

I was instructed to rendezvous at a distant church.

The Guardian - Opinion

Possibly Poussin was instructed to give him a part.

The New York Times - Arts

Kennedy was instructed to sort out the pay-off.

The Guardian - Sport

The F.B.I. was instructed to shut off Hadid's security clearance.

The New Yorker

I, however, was instructed to go to the left.

The New York Times

And the Texas jury was instructed to use this standard.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was instructed to" when you want to emphasize the directive nature of the instruction and when the source of the instruction is known or relevant.

Common error

Avoid overusing "was instructed to" if it leads to a passive voice-heavy writing style. Sometimes, making the sentence active by stating who gave the instruction can create a more direct and engaging sentence. For example, instead of "The student was instructed to submit the assignment", consider "The teacher instructed the student to submit the assignment."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was instructed to" functions as a passive construction, indicating that someone received directions or orders. Ludwig's examples show its use in contexts where conveying the instruction is more important than identifying the instructor.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

27%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was instructed to" is a grammatically correct and commonly used passive construction that indicates someone received specific directions or orders. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and formal writing. While the phrase is versatile, remember to avoid overuse to maintain a balanced and engaging writing style. Consider alternatives like "was directed to" or ""was ordered to"" to achieve slight nuance differences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was directed to

Indicates a formal or official order, often from someone in authority. Semantic similarity is very high.

was ordered to

Implies a strong command or authoritative direction. Carries a slightly more forceful tone. Semantic similarity is high.

was required to

Suggests a necessity or obligation, often due to a rule or regulation. Semantic similarity is high.

was advised to

Indicates a recommendation or suggestion, rather than a strict command. Semantic similarity is medium.

was told to

A more informal way of saying "was instructed to", often used in casual contexts. Semantic similarity is medium.

received instructions to

Focuses on the reception of the instructions, emphasizing the action of receiving. Semantic similarity is medium.

was given the task of

Highlights the assignment of a specific task, implying a responsibility. Semantic similarity is low.

had the responsibility to

Focuses on the duty or obligation to perform a certain action. Semantic similarity is low.

was delegated to

Highlights that the responsibility has been transferred from someone else.

was assigned to

Similar to 'was delegated to', but more formal and emphasizes the task given.

FAQs

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

The phrase "was instructed to" is used to indicate that someone received specific directions or orders. For example, "The technician "was instructed to" recalibrate the equipment after the power outage."

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

"Was instructed to" implies a formal direction or guidance, whereas "was ordered to" indicates a more forceful command. You might be "was instructed to" follow safety procedures, but you are "was ordered to" evacuate immediately during a fire.

Are there formal alternatives to "was instructed to"?

Yes, formal alternatives include "was directed to", "was required to", or "was mandated to". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "was instructed to"?

While "was instructed to" is inherently passive, consider whether emphasizing the instruction or the instructor is more important. If the instructor is important, rephrasing in the active voice might be better. For example, instead of "The team "was instructed to" use the new software", you could write "The manager instructed the team to use the new software".