were instructed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were instructed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a past action where someone was given directions or orders. Example: "The employees were instructed to complete the training by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Participants were instructed to perform normal gait.

Biomedical Signal Processing and Control

''Aim spotlights upward,'' yachters were instructed.

The New York Times - Magazine

"We were instructed to play it.

The New York Times - Sports

The police were instructed to stay away from the duplex.

Cornell University

Both groups were instructed to practice at home.

The Journal of Pain

Participants were instructed to pass through both objects.

Vision Research

The participants were instructed to respond only to lateral targets.

Acta Psychologica

Both Groups were instructed by blended learning method.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Inside, aides were instructing every guest.

The New Yorker

It is instructed by.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"I was instructed to stop shooting".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were instructed", ensure the context clearly indicates who gave the instructions. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "were instructed" in very informal contexts. Opt for simpler alternatives like "were told" to maintain an appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were instructed" functions as a passive construction, indicating that someone received directions or commands. It is frequently used to describe actions that individuals or groups were directed to perform, as illustrated in examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

58%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were instructed" is a grammatically correct and commonly used passive construction that conveys the receipt of directions or commands. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across diverse contexts, including science, news, and academia. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to formal settings, with alternatives like ""were told"" being more appropriate for casual conversations. Ensure clarity by specifying who provided the instructions. Its frequency and consistent usage underscore its importance in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were directed

Indicates a formal order or guidance, maintaining a high degree of similarity.

were told

A more general term for receiving information or commands, slightly less formal.

were ordered

Implies a stronger, more authoritative command, suggesting a higher level of obligation.

were commanded

Similar to "were ordered" but often suggests military or hierarchical contexts.

received instructions

Focuses on the act of getting instructions rather than being compelled.

were advised

Suggests a recommendation or suggestion rather than a strict command, less forceful.

were guided

Implies assistance and direction, focusing on support rather than strict commands.

were shown how

Indicates being taught or demonstrated a process, emphasizing learning.

were trained

Implies a more comprehensive and structured form of instruction, typically for specific skills.

were taught

Focuses on the educational aspect of instruction, implying a learning process.

FAQs

What is the difference between "were instructed" and "were told"?

"Were instructed" implies a more formal and specific set of directions, often associated with a task or procedure. "Were told" is a more general term for receiving information.

Can I use "were instructed" in a casual conversation?

While grammatically correct, "were instructed" is more suitable for formal or professional settings. In casual conversations, simpler alternatives like ""were told"" or "had to" are often more appropriate.

What are some synonyms for "were instructed" that I can use in formal writing?

In formal writing, you can use synonyms like "were directed", "were commanded", or "were ordered" to convey a similar meaning with a slightly different nuance.

How do I ensure clarity when using the phrase "were instructed"?

To ensure clarity, always specify who provided the instructions. For example, instead of saying "Participants were instructed", say "The participants were instructed by the researchers".