What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
commanded
Example
The general commanded his troops to advance. [commanded: past tense]
Example
She commanded the room with her powerful presence. [commanded: verb]
instruct
Example
The teacher instructed the students on how to solve the math problem. [instructed: past tense]
Example
He instructs new employees on company policies and procedures. [instructs: present tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Instruct is more commonly used than commanded in everyday language. Instruct is versatile and can be used in various contexts such as education, training, or everyday situations. Commanded is less common and is typically associated with more formal or hierarchical settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between commanded and instruct?
While commanded is typically associated with a more formal and authoritative tone, instruct can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Instruct is generally seen as more neutral and helpful, making it suitable for a wide range of situations.
