Word family noun instruction instructor adjective instructive instructional verb instruct adverb instructively
From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishinstructionin‧struc‧tion /ɪnˈstrʌkʃən/ ●●● S3 W2 AWL noun 1 → instructions2 [countable usually plural]TELL/ORDER somebody TO DO something a statement telling someone what they must do → ordersinstructions to do something He had specific instructions to check everyone’s identity cards.instructions that Mrs Edwards gave instructions that she was not to be disturbed.on somebody’s instructions (=having been told by someone to do something) On the landlord’s instructions, the barmaid refused to serve him. My instructions are (=I have been told) to give the package to him personally. Make sure you carry out the doctor’s instructions.be under instruction to do something (=to have been told to do something) The police were under instruction to fire if necessary.3 [uncountable] formalTEACH teaching that you are given in a particular skill or subject religious instruction driving instructioninstruction in The school gives instruction in first aid.under instruction (=being taught) This group of trainees is still under instruction.COLLOCATIONSverbsfollow the instructions (=do what the instructions tell you to do)You should follow the instructions on the packet.read the instructionsAlways read the instructions before switching on the machine.provide/supply instructions (=give someone instructions)Detailed instructions are supplied with the software.come with instructionsThe tent comes with instructions on how to put it up.the instructions say/tell you to do somethingThe instructions say that you should take the tablets after meals.ADJECTIVES/NOUN + instructionsclearThe instructions that I got with the phone weren’t very clear.detailedThere are detailed instructions on the back of the box.written instructionsEach member of the team was issued with written instructions.full/comprehensive instructions (=very detailed)There are comprehensive instructions for completing and filing the new tax form.Full instructions accompany the smoke alarm.step-by-step instructions (=giving details of each thing you should do in order)This book gives step-by-step instructions for making curtains.the manufacturer’s instructions (=the instructions given by the company that made something)Make up the mixture according to the manufacturer’s instructions.safety instructionsWritten safety instructions should be supplied with all equipment.operating instructionsThe operating instructions have been simplified so that they are easier to follow.cooking instructionsThe cooking instructions can be found on the side of the packet.instruction + NOUNan instruction book/manualThe instruction manual for the camera is over 150 pages long.an instruction booklet/leaflet/sheetThe washing machine comes with an instruction leaflet.COMMON ERRORS ► Don’t say ‘instructions how to do something’ or ‘instructions to do something’. Say instructions on how to do something. Examples from the Corpus
instruction• Young drivers come to us for instruction in safe and skilful driving.• All the children receive religious instruction.• Half an hour's instruction from an experienced horse-rider is much better than anything you can learn from a book.• The trainees work at their machines under instruction from a supervisor.be under instruction to do something• The police are under instructions to impound such machines wherever they find them.gives instruction• In Delhi, an International Labor Organization-backed pilot program gives instruction on how to rehabilitate discarded shoes.• Sears' gives instructions for creating references for insertion in an index or catalogue to show relationships between subjects.From Longman Business Dictionaryinstructionin‧struc‧tion /ɪnˈstrʌkʃən/ noun [countable]1a statement telling someone what they must doHe claimed that brokers had failed to carry out his instructions to sell the stocks.2COMPUTING a command given to a computer to carry out a particular operationThe chip has a peak speed of 400 million instructions a second. 