instruction
B1Neutral to Formal
Definition
Meaning
A detailed statement telling someone how something should be done, operated, or assembled.
The teaching or education imparted to someone; the detailed information or direction provided to a computer; a legal direction given by a judge to a jury.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Predominantly used as a noun. As a mass noun, it refers to the process or act of teaching or directing. As a count noun (often plural 'instructions'), it refers to specific directions or orders. In computing, it's a basic command for a processor.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'instructions' is the usual plural for the detailed steps on how to do or use something (e.g., 'follow the instructions'). In American English, both singular 'instruction' and plural 'instructions' are used in this context, with 'instructions' being more common. In legal contexts, 'instructions' to a jury is standard in both.
Connotations
No significant difference in connotation.
Frequency
Both varieties use the word frequently, with a very slight statistical edge in American English in formal written contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
instruction on [topic/action]instruction to [do something]instruction for [person/use]instruction from [source]instruction about [matter]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “under instruction”
- “strictly according to instruction”
- “await further instruction”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Official directives from management, or training provided to new employees.
Academic
The process of teaching and learning; a specific course of study.
Everyday
Directions for assembling furniture, using a device, or following a recipe.
Technical
A single operation in a computer's machine code (CPU instruction).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- instructional video
- instructional design
American English
- instructional manual
- instructional materials
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Please read the instructions before you start.
- The teacher gave us clear instruction.
- I followed the cooking instructions exactly, but the cake didn't rise.
- She is under instruction not to discuss the case.
- The judge's instructions to the jury were incredibly detailed and precise.
- The software executes one machine instruction per clock cycle.
- His instruction in classical rhetoric was evident in the persuasive structure of his arguments.
- The board issued a new instruction mandating the disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CONSTRUCTION site: you need clear INSTRUCTION to build correctly.
Conceptual Metaphor
Knowledge/Information as a Path (to follow instructions).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'инструктаж' (which is more a briefing/onboarding). The word 'instruction' is broader. The Russian 'инструкция' is a very close match for the plural 'instructions'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'instruction' as a countable noun when referring to general teaching (e.g., 'He gave me a good instruction' - incorrect; 'He gave me good instruction' or '...good instructions' is better). Confusing 'instructions' with 'directions' (the latter often for physical navigation).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'instruction' used as a non-count (mass) noun?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be both. Uncountable when referring to the general act or process of teaching ('She received instruction in French'). Countable (often plural) when referring to specific pieces of information or orders ('the instructions for the exam').
'Instructions' are often a series of steps for completing a task or operating something. 'Directions' are typically for reaching a physical location, though they can sometimes overlap with 'instructions' in informal use.
Yes, in a formal context, especially referring to teaching in a specific skill or subject (e.g., 'driver instruction', 'private instruction'). It is less general than 'education'.
Both are correct and common, depending on whether you view it as a general body of guidance (uncountable) or specific new directives (countable). 'Await further instructions' is a very common fixed phrase.
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