we instructed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we instructed" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is commonly used in formal or professional contexts to describe a situation where someone gave specific or official instructions to a group or individuals. Example: "We instructed our employees to attend the training seminar next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We instructed the passengers behind us to do the same.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Goodell, Carson said, was "doing what we instructed him to do".

The New York Times - Sports

At no point were we instructed to think that the lapses of youth would define the people we might become.

The New York Times - Arts

"The crew member in question took it upon themselves to do that and it's not something we instructed or condoned".

The New York Times

As we instructed the computer to print, Andrew warned,"Oh, yeah, and it will start to smell like burning plastic".

The New York Times - Magazine

"We instructed hospitals in Basra to be alert to any burn cases caused by radioactivity and inform security forces immediately," said one.

The Guardian

They closed their eyes and we instructed them to go back there and to try and relive it as much as possible.

The Guardian

We instructed our Incidental Intelligence Department to gatherer data having bearing on two questions suggested by this phenomenon (1) What effect will the Navy have on Winchell?

The New Yorker

We instructed both to fight clean, but fight hard.

TechCrunch

We instructed ANFIS network by 75% of numerical-validated data.

International Communications in Heat and Mass Transfer

If you were weeping for America, as we instructed, you can stop now.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we instructed", ensure clarity and specificity in the instructions provided. Clearly define the action expected and any relevant parameters.

Common error

Avoid providing overly general instructions when using "we instructed". For example, instead of saying "We instructed them to improve performance", specify the steps or methods they should use to achieve that improvement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we instructed" functions as a verb phrase, where "instructed" is the past tense of the verb "instruct". It indicates a completed action of giving directions or commands. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

43%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we instructed" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb phrase that communicates the action of providing specific instructions. Ludwig AI validates its widespread use in both news and scientific contexts. While generally neutral in register, it is suitable for professional and formal communications. When using "we instructed", ensure clarity in your instructions to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "we directed" or "we advised" to fine-tune the meaning based on context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we directed

Focuses on giving a specific direction or course of action.

we guided

Emphasizes providing assistance and leading someone through a process.

we advised

Highlights the act of offering counsel or recommendations.

we commanded

Implies a more authoritative order or demand.

we ordered

Similar to commanded, but can also imply a formal or official instruction.

we told them to

Simplifies the phrase to a direct statement of instruction.

we requested that they

Uses a more polite and formal approach to giving instructions.

we asked them to

Represents a simple and direct request for action.

it was our instruction to

Changes the sentence structure to emphasize the instruction itself.

we stipulated that

Indicates a condition or requirement that was specified.

FAQs

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

The phrase "we instructed" is followed by the person or group to whom the instructions were given and the instructions themselves. For example, "We instructed the students to complete the assignment by Friday."

What can I say instead of "we instructed"?

You can use alternatives like "we directed", "we advised", or "we told them to" depending on the specific context.

Is it more formal to say "we instructed" or "we told them to"?

"We instructed" is generally more formal than "we told them to". Use "we instructed" in professional or academic settings, while "we told them to" is suitable for informal communication.

What is the difference between "we instructed" and "we guided"?

"We instructed" implies giving specific directions, while "we guided" suggests providing assistance and support through a process. Instructions are directives, whereas guidance is supportive leadership.