instruct
verb (used with object)
had instructed
-
past perfectof instruct.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The same students later alleged in another video that university officials had instructed them what to say, edited the recording and posted it without their consent.
From BBC ● Sep. 29, 2026
Even before Monday’s announcement, Chinese regulators had instructed several leading domestic AI companies not to accept U.S. funding without government approval, The Wall Street Journal previously reported.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 1, 2026
In a crypto fraud case late last year against two MIT-educated brothers, deliberations veered into a subject the judge had instructed the jury not to even consider: sentencing.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 20, 2026
Pirro indicated that she had instructed the Fed's inspector general, Michael Horowitz, to take over and conduct his own investigation, a standard procedure for an administrative, non-criminal inquiry.
From Barron's ● Apr. 26, 2026
Finally she reached the top of the slant, the sharp edge where he had instructed her to plant her feet for the jump.
From "Son" by Lois Lowry
