instructed
/ɪnˈstrʌkt/ (bre, ipa) · [ˌɪnstrˈʌktəd] /ɪnˈstrʌkt/ (ame, ipa) · [ˌɪnstrˈʌktəd] /in-ˈstrəkt/ (ame, mw)
instructed — verb
- instructedpresent simple I / you / we / they
- instructeds3rd person singular
- instructeding-ing form
- instructededpast simple
1. to officially tell a person or group to carry out a specific action, typically i
to officially tell a person or group to carry out a specific action, typically in a workplace, legal, or procedural setting
The manager instructed the night staff to lock all doors before leaving.
instruct + object + to-infinitive
Aylin was instructed by her supervisor to complete the safety check before the event began.
passive: be instructed + to-infinitive
The captain instructed the crew to prepare the emergency equipment before docking at the port.
Parents were instructed not to park in front of the school gates during drop-off hours.
The committee instructed the secretary to record every decision in the official minutes.
- forbid
opposite action — telling someone NOT to do something vs telling them to do it
文法句型
instruct + object + to-infinitive
be instructed + to-infinitive
用法筆記
Frequently used in passive constructions. The subject is typically an authority figure or institution. The object is the person receiving the order, always followed by a to-infinitive clause specifying the required action.
常見錯誤
2. to formally appoint and pay a legal professional to act on your behalf in a lega
to formally appoint and pay a legal professional to act on your behalf in a legal case or matter
After the accident, Mira instructed a well-known lawyer to represent her in court.
instruct + lawyer + to-infinitive
The company instructed a legal team to review the merger documents before signing.
Kenji instructed a solicitor specialising in immigration law for his visa appeal.
The family instructed a barrister to handle the property dispute in the High Court.
- dismiss
to end the lawyer's employment
文法句型
instruct + [lawyer / solicitor / legal team]
用法筆記
Primarily used in British English legal contexts. The object is always a legal professional or firm. In US English, 'retain' or 'hire' is more common for this meaning.
常見錯誤
3. (of a judge) to explain the relevant legal rules and principles to a jury so tha
(of a judge) to explain the relevant legal rules and principles to a jury so that they can reach a fair verdict in a trial
The judge instructed the jury to set aside any sympathy when reviewing the evidence.
instruct + jury + to-infinitive
Judge Chen instructed the jury on the legal definition of self-defence before their discussion.
instruct + jury + on + [legal point]
The court instructed the jury that they must reach a unanimous verdict to convict the defendant.
The judge instructed the jury about the burden of proof before they began their deliberations.
文法句型
instruct + [jury] + on + [point of law]
instruct + [jury] + that-clause
用法筆記
Subject is always a judge or court. The object is always a jury. Distinguish from sense 1 (GIVE ORDER): here the purpose is explanation and clarification of law, not issuing a directive. The judge is not ordering the jury but guiding their legal reasoning.
常見錯誤
4. to teach someone a practical skill, subject, or method by giving them clear info
to teach someone a practical skill, subject, or method by giving them clear information, demonstrations, and guided practice
Marco instructed the new students in basic first aid techniques during the safety workshop.
instruct + object + in + [skill]
Ayana instructed the children in traditional dance movements every Saturday morning at the community centre.
The sergeant instructed the recruits on how to assemble and maintain their rifles safely.
Asher instructed his younger brother in basic cooking skills over the summer school break.
Nadia instructed the volunteers on the correct method for taking blood pressure readings.
- learn
the opposite action — receiving rather than giving knowledge
文法句型
instruct + [person] + in + [skill/subject]
instruct + [person] + on + [topic]
用法筆記
Often followed by 'in' + a skill or subject area. More specific than 'teach' — implies systematic, step-by-step guidance rather than general education. The object is the learner, not the subject matter.