# instruct

/ˌɪnˈstɹəkt/ (US) · /ɪnstɹˈʌkt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/instruct
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. to direct or order

verb · CEFR B2 · Formal

to tell someone to do something in a formal or official way.

For teachers: to give an authoritative order or command to someone. Transitive; typically followed by an object and a to-infinitive.

- The manager instructed the staff to lock the doors at exactly 9:00 PM.
- The judge instructed the jury to disregard the witness's last statement, as it was based on hearsay rather than direct evidence.

Usage: Commonly used in the pattern 'instruct someone to do something'.

### 2. to teach a skill

verb · CEFR B2 · Formal

to teach someone how to do something, especially a practical skill.

For teachers: to provide systematic information or training in a particular subject or skill.

- She spent the afternoon instructing the new students in basic first aid.
- The manual is designed to instruct users in the assembly of the modular shelving unit without the need for specialised tools.

Usage: Often takes the preposition 'in' when referring to a subject or skill.

### 3. to brief a lawyer

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal · Technical · British English

to give a lawyer the information and authority to act for you.

For teachers: to give a solicitor or barrister formal information and instructions to act on one's behalf in a legal matter.

- The company has instructed a firm of solicitors to handle the merger.
- After the accident, the family instructed a senior barrister to represent their interests during the public inquiry.

Teaching tip: This sense is specific to legal contexts, particularly in the UK and Commonwealth systems.

## Examples

- She will instruct the new staff on how to use the software.
- The judge will instruct the jury on the specific laws they must consider before reaching a final verdict.
- The manual is designed to instruct novice users in the assembly of the hardware while providing troubleshooting tips for more experienced technicians.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.