instruct
instruct — verb
1. to give someone a clear, formal order about what they must do — for instance, a
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.
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.
The school principal instructed teachers not to leave students alone in the classroom.
Esteban's supervisor instructed him to lock the warehouse doors every evening.
Before the drill, the fire chief instructed everyone on the correct evacuation route.
- 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
2. to show or explain to someone how to carry out a practical task or skill, usuall
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.
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.
During the festival, Bao instructed his younger brother in making traditional rice dumplings.
The swimming coach instructed the children on the correct breathing technique.
Reema instructed the volunteers in setting up the tents before the storm arrived.
- 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
3. to formally hire a lawyer or law firm so they can speak and make legal decisions
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.
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.
The company instructed a law firm to handle the contract dispute.
Nikhil instructed a legal team to represent him in the court hearing.
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
4. During a trial, the judge explains to the jury the legal rules they must apply t
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.
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.
The defence lawyer argued that the judge had instructed the jury incorrectly.
The appeal court ruled that the judge instructed the jury on the wrong legal test.
- 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
5. to officially give someone the details, advice, or instructions they need about
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.
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.
The hospital instructed all visitors about the updated hygiene procedures.
The insurance company instructed policyholders on how to file a claim.
The landlord instructed the tenants about the building's new garbage disposal rules.
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.