instruct

Everyday

1. To instruct someone is to tell them what they must do, especially officially or with authority. tree →
2. To instruct someone is to teach them a skill. tree →
3. (law, UK) To instruct a lawyer is to hire them to work for you. tree →

In the lessons

In school, teachers instruct pupils and test papers instruct: «You are instructed to answer all questions». In safety, firefighters instruct people where to go. Instructions in maths tell you the steps to follow. Phrases: instruct someone to do, instruct someone in, as instructed.

Examples

• The teacher instructed us to line up quietly. tree →
• The coach instructed the team in how to pass the ball. tree →
• Follow the steps as instructed. tree →
• The pilot instructed passengers to fasten their seat belts. tree →
• Firefighters instructed everyone to leave the building. tree →
• She instructs children in swimming at the local pool. tree →
• The recipe instructs you to bake the cake for 30 minutes. tree →
• Then her aunt instructed her what to do. tree →

Note

Regular verb: instructed. Nouns: instruction (what to do), instructor (a teacher of a skill). «Instruct someone to do something». Formal; in speech say «tell» or «teach».

In Jewish tradition

It means that God teaches people by speaking to them. The prophets and Job also use it for a farmer taught by God and for a person who teaches others.

Interpretation. Tradition reads this as the revelation at Sinai, when all Israel heard God speak from the fire to teach them. Isaiah asks who could ever instruct God, showing that all wisdom comes from Him.

Examples

• Out of heaven He made thee to hear His voice, that He might instruct thee; and upon earth He made thee to see His great fire; and thou didst hear His words out of the midst of the fire. (Torah DEU.4.36, JPS 1917) tree →
• Or who was His counsellor that he might instruct Him? (Prophets ISA.40.13, JPS 1917) tree →
• For He doth instruct him aright; his God doth teach him. (Prophets ISA.28.26, JPS 1917) tree →
• Behold, thou hast instructed many, and thou hast strengthened the weak hands. (Writings JOB.4.3, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Regular verb: instructed. Nouns: instruction (what to do), instructor (a teacher of a skill). «Instruct someone to do something». Formal; in speech say «tell» or «teach».