C1verb2K

Instruct

UK /["/ɪnˈstrʌkt/","/ɪnˈstrʌkts/","/ɪnˈstrʌktɪd/","/ɪnˈstrʌktɪŋ/"]/US /["/ɪnˈstrʌkt/","/ɪnˈstrʌkts/","/ɪnˈstrʌktɪd/","/ɪnˈstrʌktɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to tell somebody to do something, especially in a formal or official way

In simple words: to teach or tell someone how to do something

Examples

  • The letter instructed him to report to headquarters immediately.
  • You will be instructed where to go as soon as the plane is ready.
  • She arrived at 10 o'clock **as instructed**.
  • He instructed that a wall be built around the city.
  • He instructed that a wall should be built around the city.
  • ‘Put it there,’ she instructed (them).
  • I took the pills as instructed.
  • You were explicitly instructed to wait here.
  • All our staff have been instructed in sign language.
  • We have been instructed that a decision will not be made before the end of the week.

Usage notes

Use 'instruct' in educational or professional contexts. It's more formal than 'tell' and less common in casual conversation. Avoid in informal situations.

Grammar pattern

instruct + object + (to + base form of verb)

Memory hint

Sounds like 'in-structure' — imagine providing someone with a blueprint for building something.

Collocations

  • carefully
  • explicitly
  • specifically
  • as instructed

Synonyms

  • direct, order

Antonyms

  • mislead
  • confuse
  • neglect

Common mistakes

  • Using 'instruct' with an incorrect object.
  • Confusing 'instruct' with 'insist'.
  • Incorrectly using 'instructing' instead of 'instruct'.