instructed

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

instructed — 動詞

  • 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

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

指示；命令

正式告知某人做某事

to officially tell a person or group to carry out a specific action, typically in a workplace, legal, or procedural setting

例句

The manager instructed the night staff to lock all doors before leaving.

經理指示夜班員工在離開前鎖好所有門。

instruct + object + to-infinitive

Aylin was instructed by her supervisor to complete the safety check before the event began.

Aylin 的主管指示她在活動開始前完成安全檢查。

passive: be instructed + to-infinitive

同義詞
  • order

    stronger, often implies authority backed by punishment; less collaborative than instruct

  • direct

    more neutral and procedural; common in official contexts

  • command

    more forceful than instruct; used in military or emergency settings

反義詞
  • 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

❌The teacher instructed the class.' (with no action specified).
✅The teacher instructed the class to open their books to page 42.
💡The object of 'instruct' must be followed by what action is to be taken.

2. to formally appoint and pay a legal professional to act on your behalf in a lega

2.動詞及物C1
釋義

委託（律師）

聘請律師代理法律事務

to formally appoint and pay a legal professional to act on your behalf in a legal case or matter

例句

After the accident, Mira instructed a well-known lawyer to represent her in court.

事故發生後，Mira 委託一位知名律師在法庭上代表她。

instruct + lawyer + to-infinitive

The company instructed a legal team to review the merger documents before signing.

該公司委託法律團隊在簽約前審查合併文件。

同義詞
  • retain

    more formal than instruct; used mainly in US legal contexts

  • hire

    less formal; used in everyday and business contexts

反義詞
  • 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

❌I instructed a doctor.
✅I instructed a solicitor / lawyer.
💡In this sense, instruct is only used for legal professionals, not other service providers.

3. (of a judge) to explain the relevant legal rules and principles to a jury so tha

3.動詞及物C1
釋義

向陪審團說明

法官解釋法律給陪審團

(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

例句

The judge instructed the jury to set aside any sympathy when reviewing the evidence.

法官指示陪審團在審視證據時要擱置任何同情心。

instruct + jury + to-infinitive

Judge Chen instructed the jury on the legal definition of self-defence before their discussion.

陳法官在陪審團討論前，向他們說明正當防衛的法律定義。

instruct + jury + on + [legal point]

同義詞
  • direct

    similar in US legal contexts; 'judge directs the jury'

  • charge

    formal legal term; 'the judge charged the jury' means the same thing

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

❌The police instructed the jury.
✅The judge instructed the jury.
💡Only a judge or court can legally instruct a jury.

4. to teach someone a practical skill, subject, or method by giving them clear info

4.動詞及物B2
釋義

教導；指導

傳授技能或知識

to teach someone a practical skill, subject, or method by giving them clear information, demonstrations, and guided practice

例句

Marco instructed the new students in basic first aid techniques during the safety workshop.

Marco 在安全研習課上教導新生基本急救技巧。

instruct + object + in + [skill]

Ayana instructed the children in traditional dance movements every Saturday morning at the community centre.

Ayana 每週六早上在社區中心教導孩子們傳統舞蹈動作。

同義詞
  • teach

    broader meaning; covers any transfer of knowledge. Instruct implies more structured, practical guidance

  • train

    focuses on developing a specific skill through practice, often for a job

  • coach

    more personal, one-on-one guidance; common in sports and performance

反義詞
  • 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.

常見錯誤

❌The instructor instructed mathematics.
✅The instructor instructed students in mathematics.
💡The object of 'instruct' must be the person being taught, not the subject. Use 'teach' when the subject is the object.