What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
mandate
Example
The government issued a mandate for all citizens to wear masks in public places. [mandate: noun]
Example
The manager mandated that all employees attend the training session. [mandated: verb]
instruction
Example
The instruction manual provided step-by-step guidance on how to assemble the furniture. [instruction: noun]
Example
The teacher gave clear instructions on how to complete the assignment. [instructed: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Instruction is more commonly used than mandate in everyday language. Instruction is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while mandate is less common and usually associated with formal or legal language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between mandate and instruction?
Mandate is typically associated with a formal and authoritative tone, while instruction can be used in both formal and informal contexts, allowing it to be used in a variety of situations.