Directly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Directly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is done in a straightforward manner or without any intermediaries. Example: "Please address your concerns directly to the manager for a quicker response."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Ask yourself: if I were a Chinese spy, why wouldn't I have flown directly into Beijing?

The New York Times

"And the result, dutifully prepared, falls directly between the poles".

The New York Times

Chafee's candidacy seems targeted almost directly at Hillary Clinton and her foreign policy record – the Democratic equivalent of those conservative hawks who sought to enter the Republican primary solely to excoriate Rand Paul on the debate stage.

The Guardian

Economists generally agree that the key to addressing climate change is to raise the cost of burning fossil fuels, either directly, through a carbon tax, or indirectly, through a cap-and-trade program.

The Economist

While the decision disappointed some, particularly those trumpeting the charismatic claims of Yousafzai, the decision marks something of a return to the tradition of honouring work directly connected to disarmament, after the EU in 2012 and the even more controversial prize to Barack Obama in 2009.

The Guardian

Independent halls can also be booked directly by individual students or groups of friends.

The Guardian

In Britain, it looks set to begin a conversation which has been long overdue, addressing directly the question of what the surveillance agencies can and can't do.

The Guardian - Tech

Iran's foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, also poured derision on the Republican letter in a statement expressing astonishment that members of Congress would seek to undermine a US administration by writing directly to a foreign power, and suggesting that the letter's authors had much to learn about international and even US law.

The Guardian

Directly across the street, until the 1980s, there was a café called A la bonne Santé (literally, "to your good health" – santé means health) where the newly freed men would toast their liberty before drinking themselves dead drunk.

The Guardian

George Osborne, the chancellor and first minister, has ensured his northern powerhouse plan has a slot, but the number of cities apart from Greater Manchester that will want to be run by a directly elected mayor is currently small.

The Guardian

Elsewhere in Australia, Sydney will soon open its planning decisions to the masses, with consultation apps for citizens to send feedback to the council directly from the sites of proposed developments.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Directly" to indicate a straightforward or immediate action or state. Be mindful of the context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended meaning, whether it's spatial, temporal, or communicative.

Common error

Avoid using "Directly" when describing indirect effects or relationships. For example, instead of saying 'The policy directly caused the problem' when there were other contributing factors, consider 'The policy contributed directly to the problem' or 'The policy had a direct impact on the problem'.

Linguistic Context

Directly primarily functions as an adverb, modifying verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to indicate a manner, direction, or timing of an action. Ludwig's examples show its use in various contexts, indicating its versatility as a modifier.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "directly" is a versatile adverb frequently used in news and media to convey immediacy, straightforwardness, or spatial relationships. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. While it fits comfortably in various contexts, it's essential to ensure its accuracy, particularly when describing relationships or effects. Alternatives like "immediately", "instantly", or "frankly" can be used for nuanced expression. With its neutral register, "directly" serves as a reliable tool for clear and concise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Immediately

Emphasizes the lack of delay or intervening time.

Instantly

Highlights the instantaneous nature of an action or event.

Straightaway

Similar to immediately, but can also imply a physical direction.

Without delay

Focuses on the absence of any waiting period.

In a straight line

Highlights a direct path or course.

Point-blank

Emphasizes straightforwardness, particularly in communication.

Frankly

Indicates honesty and openness in expressing thoughts.

Expressly

Stresses that something is stated clearly and unmistakably.

Precisely

Highlights exactness and accuracy, especially in location or time.

In person

Indicates a direct interaction without intermediaries.

FAQs

How can I use "Directly" in a sentence?

"Directly" can be used to indicate a straightforward manner, immediate action, or spatial relationship. For example: "He went "directly" to the source", "She answered "directly"" or "We addressed the issue "directly"".

What are some alternatives to using "Directly"?

Alternatives to "Directly" include "immediately", "instantly", "straightaway", or "frankly", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "Directly" or "In a direct way"?

While both are grammatically correct, "Directly" is often more concise and preferred for its brevity. "In a direct way" may be used for emphasis or when a more descriptive phrase is desired.

What's the difference between "Directly" and "Indirectly"?

"Directly" implies a straight, unmediated connection or action, while "Indirectly" suggests a roundabout or mediated relationship. For example: "The policy "directly" affected sales", versus "The policy "indirectly" affected employee morale".