Meaning & use
instructor
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Meanings
nouncountable
A person who teaches a practical skill or a particular subject, often outside a regular school.
Grammar: Countable: one instructor, two instructors. Often used with of/for: a driving instructor, an instructor of chemistry.
Patterns
- a driving instructor
- a fitness instructor
- an instructor in something
- instructor of something
My driving instructor told me to check the mirrors before moving off.
She works as a fitness instructor at the local gym.
The ski instructor showed us how to turn safely.
nouncountableAmerican
A teacher at a college or university, especially one below the rank of professor.
Grammar: In American universities, 'instructor' is a specific job title. In British English, 'lecturer' is more common for this role.
Patterns
- a college instructor
- an instructor in a subject
He is an instructor in the history department.
The course was taught by a part-time instructor.
Word forms
| plural | instructors |
|---|
Common combinations
- driving instructor
- I have a lesson with my driving instructor tomorrow.
- fitness instructor
- The fitness instructor led a tough workout.
- ski instructor
- We hired a ski instructor for the afternoon.
- flight instructor
- He trained as a flight instructor.
- instructor in
- She is an instructor in mathematics.
Synonyms and how they differ
- teacher
- General word for someone who teaches, especially in a school; 'instructor' often implies practical skills or a specific role.
- trainer
- Often used for someone who trains people in a sport or for a job; 'instructor' is broader and can include academic teaching.
- coach
- Focuses on training individuals or teams in sports; 'instructor' is more neutral and can be for any skill.
- tutor
- A teacher who works with one student or a small group, often to help with schoolwork; 'instructor' is usually more formal or practical.
Opposites
Word family
- instruct verb
- To teach or give orders.
- instruction noun
- Teaching or directions.
- instructive adjective
- Giving useful knowledge.
- instructional adjective
- Designed for teaching.
Commonly confused: instructor or lecturer?
instructor vs lecturer
In British English, a 'lecturer' teaches at a university; 'instructor' is more common for practical skills or in American universities.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'instructor' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'Instructor' is a noun meaning a person who teaches a skill, so 'My driving instructor taught me how to park' is correct. Option An is possible but less typical because instructors often teach practical skills, not homework. Option C uses 'instructor of' awkwardly; we say 'instructor in' or 'language instructor'. Option D uses 'instructor' as a verb, which is wrong.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “instructor”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.