Instruct is most commonly defined as which of the following?

• A. To teach someone
• B. To show someone how to do something
• C. To direct or give orders
• D. To encourage or praise

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is understanding how “instruct” is used in everyday English. To instruct someone is to teach them or provide them with information and guidance so they can learn or perform a task. That broad sense—giving knowledge and direction to help someone learn—is why it’s best defined as “to teach someone.” A tutor or manual often instructs by explaining concepts and showing steps. The other options point to related ideas that aren’t the general sense: directing or giving orders is more about commanding, showing how to do something is a specific teaching moment, and encouraging or praising isn’t about imparting instruction. So the most natural, common definition is to teach someone.