instruct
B2Formal
Definition
Meaning
to tell someone to do something, especially in a formal or official way; to teach someone a skill, subject, or principle.
It can also mean to inform or notify someone authoritatively, or to give directions or orders, often implying a position of authority or expertise. In legal contexts, it means to direct one's lawyer.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
In modern usage, 'teach' is more common for general education, while 'instruct' often implies systematic training or authoritative direction. It is frequently used in professional, military, legal, and technical contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning. In legal contexts ('instruct a solicitor/barrister'), the UK usage is standard; in the US, 'retain' or 'hire' an attorney is more common.
Connotations
Slightly more formal in both varieties, but perhaps perceived as more standard in UK officialese (e.g., 'instructed to proceed').
Frequency
More frequent in UK legal and official documents. In everyday speech, both varieties prefer 'tell', 'teach', or 'direct'.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[instruct + object + to-infinitive] (She instructed him to wait.)[instruct + object + that-clause] (The judge instructed the jury that they must disregard the comment.)[instruct + object + in/on/as to] (He instructed them in the basics of sailing.)[instruct + object] (The manual instructs the user.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly with 'instruct'. Related: 'Follow instructions', 'under instruction'.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The manager instructed the team to revise the report by Friday.
Academic
The professor instructed her students in the methodology of qualitative research.
Everyday
I instructed my brother to feed the cat while I was away.
Technical
The software instructs the printer to align the cartridges.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The magistrate instructed the defendant to remain seated.
- We were instructed to complete the forms in triplicate.
- She instructs in classical piano at the Royal Academy.
American English
- The manual instructs users to unplug the device first.
- My attorney instructed me not to say anything.
- He instructs new employees on safety protocols.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The teacher instructs the children to sit down.
- Please instruct him to call me.
- The firefighter instructed us how to use the extinguisher.
- My boss instructed me to finish the report today.
- The manual clearly instructs the user on the assembly process.
- The judge instructed the jury to consider only the evidence presented.
- The consultant was instructed to provide an independent audit of the procedures.
- Ancient philosophers instructed their disciples in the art of logical debate.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'IN' + 'STRUCT'ure. To INSTRUCT is to put knowledge or orders INTO the STRUCTURE of someone's mind or actions.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWLEDGE/ORDERS ARE OBJECTS GIVEN (He imparted instructions). AUTHORITY IS UP (She instructs from a position above).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'инструктировать', which is closer to 'brief' or 'give instructions'. Do not overuse 'instruct' for simple 'teach' (обучать). 'Instruct' implies more authority/system than 'учить'.
- Do not directly translate 'инструкция' as 'instruct' (it's a noun 'instruction').
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: *'She instructed me the rules.' Correct: 'She instructed me in the rules.' or 'She instructed me on the rules.'
- Incorrect: *'He instructed that we are quiet.' Correct: 'He instructed that we (should) be quiet.' or 'He instructed us to be quiet.'
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'instruct' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. 'Teach' is broader, covering general education and concepts. 'Instruct' is more about giving specific directions, orders, or systematic training, often in a formal context.
Rarely. It is almost always a transitive verb (e.g., 'She instructed the class'). An intransitive use ('He instructs at the university') is possible but less common.
The primary noun is 'instruction' (countable and uncountable). The person who instructs is an 'instructor'.
No, that is incorrect. The correct patterns are 'instruct someone to do something' or 'instruct someone in/on/about something'.