# instructs

/ˌɪnˈstɹəkts/ (US) · /ɪnstɹˈʌkts/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/instructs
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

to tell someone exactly what to do or how to do something. You use this when you are giving clear orders or teaching a skill.

For teachers: to provide detailed directions or guidance to someone; to teach a specific skill or subject. Transitive — requires a direct object representing the person or thing being directed.

## Examples

- The manual instructs you to plug in the charger first.
- The teacher instructs the students to raise their hands before asking a question during the lecture.
- The software instructs the user to complete the registration process before accessing the premium features of the application.

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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.