was under instruction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was under instruction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone was following specific guidance or orders at a particular time. Example: "The technician was under instruction to complete the repairs by the end of the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Rodgers berated Coutinho for hugging the touchline when he was under instruction to play centrally.

The Guardian - Sport

On another occasion he was under instruction to send the ball wide in midfield.

The Guardian - Sport

After briefly overriding his programming to remember events he was under instruction to forget, Bernard is now dead.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He was under instruction to take the temperature of every traveller, to check for the fever that is the first symptom of the Ebola virus.

The Guardian

I just got the impression of somebody that was under control and was under instruction".

BBC

Walsingham was sent to France in mid-1581 to discuss an Anglo-French alliance, but the French wanted the marriage agreed first and Walsingham was under instruction to obtain a treaty before committing to the marriage.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

You're trying to get me in trouble," he said, virtually admitting he was under instructions to hold his fire.

The New York Times

But suggestions made by Speechly that Pietersen was under instructions not to run were seized on by the ECB.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. Whitting said that for the video in 2000, he was under instructions from plant managers to edit out any evidence of safety hazards.

The New York Times

On this occasion the public announcer, Alan Keegan, was under instructions to start with the home team and finish with Madrid, changing the order of names as well to leave Ronaldo strategically until last.

The Guardian - Sport

They feared the French Finance Minister was under instructions from the Elysée Palace not to agree anything of substance so that Nicolas Sarkozy could claim the glory by announcing a grand plan at the European Council in Brussels the following week.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was under instruction", ensure the context clearly identifies who provided the instruction and what the instruction entailed.

Common error

Avoid using "was under instruction" without specifying who gave the instructions. Be specific to prevent ambiguity. For example, instead of "He was under instruction", write "He was under instruction from the captain".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was under instruction" functions as a predicative expression, indicating that the subject was in a state of following specific orders or guidance. Ludwig provides examples where this phrase describes individuals or groups acting according to specific commands.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was under instruction" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in English, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It indicates that someone acted according to specific orders or guidance. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media, as evidenced by the examples provided by Ludwig, and has a neutral tone. While not extremely frequent, understanding its meaning and usage is important for clear and precise communication. When employing this phrase, remember to specify the source of the instruction to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was following orders

Focuses on the act of obedience to commands.

was directed to

Emphasizes the act of being told what to do.

was given instructions

Highlights the reception of guidance.

was tasked with

Stresses the assignment of a specific duty.

was responsible for

Indicates accountability for a task.

was charged with

Implies a formal assignment of responsibility.

was required to

Focuses on the obligation to perform an action.

was expected to

Highlights the anticipation of a specific action.

was assigned to

Emphasizes the allocation of a task or duty.

was coached to

Suggests guidance or training to perform an action.

FAQs

What does "was under instruction" mean?

The phrase "was under instruction" means that someone was following specific guidance, orders, or directions from another person or entity. It implies a subordinate role or a duty to comply with the given instructions.

How can I use "was under instruction" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a situation where someone is acting according to specific commands. For example, "The soldier "was under instruction" to guard the perimeter".

What are some alternatives to "was under instruction"?

Alternatives include "was following orders", "was directed to", or "was given instructions". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "was under instruction" or "was given instruction"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "was under instruction" emphasizes the ongoing state of following directions, while "was given instruction" emphasizes the act of receiving those directions.