instruct

/ɪnˈstrʌkt/ (bre, ipa) · /ɪnˈstrʌkt/ (ame, ipa) · /in-ˈstrəkt/ (ame, mw)

instruct — verb

  • instructpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • instructshe / she / it
  • instructedpast simple
  • instructing-ing form

1. to give someone a clear, formal order about what they must do — for instance, a

1.動詞及物B1
釋義

to give someone a clear, formal order about what they must do — for instance, a manager instructing staff to submit a report, or a teacher instructing students to line up at the door.

例句

The manager instructed the staff to complete the safety report by Friday.

instruct + object + to-infinitive (command pattern)

The airline instructed all passengers to switch off their phones before take-off.

同義詞
  • order

    stronger and more forceful; often used in military or emergency contexts

  • direct

    slightly softer than instruct; implies guidance toward a specific course of action

  • command

    the most authoritative; used when the speaker has clear hierarchical power

反義詞
  • request

    leaves the other person free to refuse; instruct does not

文法句型

instruct + someone + to-infinitive

instruct + someone + on + noun

用法筆記

More formal than 'tell' or 'order'. The subject is typically an authority figure such as a manager, teacher, or official. The most common pattern is instruct + person + to-infinitive.

常見錯誤

❌The boss instructed me about the new software.' (vague — the 'teach' or 'inform' reading is unclear).
✅The boss instructed me to update the software before the meeting.
💡When giving an order, use the object + to-infinitive pattern to make the required action clear.

2. to show or explain to someone how to carry out a practical task or skill, usuall

2.動詞及物B1
釋義

to show or explain to someone how to carry out a practical task or skill, usually in clear steps — for example, a coach instructing a player on how to serve a tennis ball, or a technician instructing a new worker on how to operate a machine.

例句

Tamás instructed the new recruits on how to use the cash register.

instruct + object + on + how-to (practical teaching)

The fitness coach instructed the class in applying bandages to a wound.

同義詞
  • teach

    broader and less formal; covers both theory and practice

  • train

    implies repeated practice over time toward a specific goal

  • coach

    focuses on one-on-one guidance and improvement of technique

反義詞
  • learn

    the learner's perspective; instruct is what the teacher does

文法句型

instruct + someone + in + noun/gerund

instruct + someone + on + how-to + verb

用法筆記

Unlike 'teach', which covers theory and general knowledge, 'instruct' focuses on practical, step-by-step guidance for a specific task. The skill is typically introduced with 'in' (instruct someone in swimming) or 'on' (instruct someone on how to swim).

常見錯誤

❌She instructed him French.' (missing preposition).
✅She instructed him in French.' or 'She instructed him in speaking French.
💡When instruct means to teach, a preposition (in or on) must introduce the skill.

3. to formally hire a lawyer or law firm so they can speak and make legal decisions

3.動詞及物B2
釋義

to formally hire a lawyer or law firm so they can speak and make legal decisions on your behalf in a court case or legal matter.

例句

The family instructed a solicitor to manage their grandfather's will.

instruct + solicitor + to-infinitive (legal representation)

After the accident, Rania instructed a lawyer to claim compensation.

同義詞
  • retain

    formal synonym used predominantly in American legal contexts

  • hire

    less formal and more general; can apply to any professional, not just lawyers

文法句型

instruct + lawyer / law firm

用法筆記

Restricted to legal contexts. The object is always a legal professional (lawyer, solicitor, barrister, law firm). More common in British English; in American English 'retain' or 'hire a lawyer' is often used instead.

常見錯誤

❌She instructed a doctor to treat her injury.' (doctor is not a legal professional).
✅She instructed a solicitor to handle her divorce case.
💡This sense only applies to hiring legal representatives.

4. During a trial, the judge explains to the jury the legal rules they must apply t

4.動詞及物B2
釋義

During a trial, the judge explains to the jury the legal rules they must apply to reach a verdict — for example, what counts as proof beyond a reasonable doubt.

例句

The judge instructed the jury to consider only the evidence presented at trial.

instruct + jury + to-infinitive (directions on procedure)

Before the jury retired, the judge instructed them on the meaning of self-defence.

同義詞
  • charge

    fixed legal term: 'the judge charged the jury' — identical in meaning but restricted to common-law systems

文法句型

instruct + jury + on + noun

instruct + jury + to-infinitive

用法筆記

Almost exclusively used in legal contexts about judges and juries. Not found in everyday speech. Can also appear as 'charge the jury' (a fixed phrase with the same meaning).

常見錯誤

❌The manager instructed the team on the new policy.' (uses instruct like a judge talking to a jury, which fits sense 1 better).
✅Reserve instruct + jury for actual courtroom settings where a judge explains the law to a jury.

5. to officially give someone the details, advice, or instructions they need about

5.動詞及物B2
釋義

to officially give someone the details, advice, or instructions they need about a procedure, policy, or their rights — for example, a bank instructing customers on new security rules, or a doctor instructing a patient on post-surgery care.

例句

The bank instructed customers about the new online security requirements.

instruct + object + about + noun (providing official information)

Madison's travel agent instructed her on the visa rules for visiting Japan.

同義詞
  • inform

    less authoritative; simply passes on facts without implying action

  • brief

    used especially when giving a concise summary of key information before an event

  • apprise

    very formal; means to give someone the latest information on a topic

文法句型

instruct + someone + about + noun

instruct + someone + on + noun

用法筆記

More formal than 'tell' or 'inform'. Often used in official notices, policy documents, and institutional communications where the information comes from an authoritative source.

常見錯誤

❌The doctor instructed him about the test results.' (ambiguous — could mean the doctor ordered him to do something about the results).
✅The doctor told him the test results were normal.
💡Use 'tell' or 'inform' for everyday information; reserve 'instruct' for procedural guidance.