we have instructed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we have instructed" is a perfectly valid phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that you have given somebody instructions or orders. For example: "We have instructed all employees to complete the safety training course by the end of the month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

"We have instructed leading counsel in this matter to act on our client's behalf," threatened another.

The Guardian - Opinion

We have instructed province governors to execute all grain contracts by 5 February.

The New York Times

This is why we set them up and we have instructed them to give decisions expeditiously".

The Guardian

"We have instructed 2Day FM to remove all Coles group advertising from the station".

The Guardian

We have instructed lawyers to challenge this, but the process may take time".

Independent

Now, let me share some context: We have instructed our officers to monitor illegal vending outside our event venues.

University of California, Berkeley

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

We've instructed the appropriate government agencies to ensure that these directives are implemented," he said.

The Guardian

Unbeknown to our subjects, we had instructed some of the interviewees to respond randomly to their questions.

The New York Times

"We've instructed our generals to be careful not to speculate on what they don't know," he said.

The New York Times

We've instructed Unicef and WFP that they can use our assistance in any part not under al-Shabaab control.

The Guardian

Mr Charles Donnet, of the GMWU, said: "We were lobbying Ministers in the same way as we had instructed our members to lobby their MPs.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we have instructed", ensure that the instruction is clear, concise, and directly related to the intended outcome. This minimizes ambiguity and promotes effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using "we have instructed" when a more direct and active voice would be clearer. For example, instead of "the team has been instructed to review the documents", use "we have instructed the team to review the documents" to maintain clarity and accountability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we have instructed" functions as a declarative statement where the subject (we) has given a direct command or instruction to someone. It implies authority and an expectation of compliance, consistent with examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we have instructed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate that a group or entity has given specific orders or directions. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is appropriate for various contexts, including news, academia, and science, as well as formal business settings. When using this phrase, clarity and conciseness are key to ensure effective communication. While it carries a neutral to formal tone, alternatives like "we have directed" or "we have ordered" can be used to emphasize authority, or "we have advised" for a less forceful tone. It is best practice to avoid passive voice constructions to maintain clarity. The phrase's common usage and versatility make it a valuable tool in formal and professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we have directed

Emphasizes a more formal and official tone compared to "instructed".

we have ordered

Implies a higher level of authority and a more forceful command.

we have commanded

Suggests absolute authority and is typically used in military or hierarchical contexts.

we have advised

Indicates a recommendation rather than a strict command.

we have told

A more informal and straightforward way of saying "instructed".

we have requested

Indicates a polite request rather than a direct order.

we have authorized

Implies giving official permission or approval for an action.

we have tasked

Focuses on assigning a specific responsibility or duty.

we have delegated

Highlights the act of entrusting someone else to carry out instructions.

we have charged

Implies a formal or official responsibility or task assigned to someone.

FAQs

What does "we have instructed" mean?

The phrase "we have instructed" means that a group or entity has given specific orders or directions to someone. It indicates that instructions have been issued and are expected to be followed.

How can I use "we have instructed" in a sentence?

You can use "we have instructed" when you want to convey that you or your organization has given directions to someone. For example, "We have instructed our lawyers to file an appeal immediately".

What can I say instead of "we have instructed"?

You can use alternatives like "we have directed", "we have ordered", or "we have advised" depending on the context.

Is "we have instructed" formal or informal?

The phrase "we have instructed" is generally considered to be neutral to formal, making it suitable for professional and official communications. More informal alternatives exist, such as "we told" or "we asked".