a change in direction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a change in direction" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a shift in strategy, focus, or approach in various contexts, such as business, personal life, or projects. Example: "After reviewing our current progress, the team decided that a change in direction was necessary to meet our goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

That's a change in direction".

The New York Times

That was quite a change in direction.

The Guardian - Sport

I never thought there would be a change in direction".

The New York Times - Sports

"There has been a change in direction, but there is lots of work ahead of us".

The Guardian

"What the government needs to understand is that the people are demanding a change in direction".

The New York Times

"This represented a change in direction that played to all his strengths," Mr. Smith said.

The New York Times

Ethics is not just the release of cleverly crafted codes; it is a change in direction.

The Guardian

"This was a vote in favor of a change in direction and a change in leadership".

The New York Times

But that represents a change in direction and philosophy as much as it does an advance.

The New Yorker

The move, if he decides to follow through, is something of a change in direction.

The Guardian - Opinion

And a change in direction could be less unconventional than is supposed.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a change in direction", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being redirected or altered. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens your message.

Common error

Avoid using "a change in direction" for slight modifications or tweaks. This phrase is most effective when describing significant shifts in strategy, goals, or approaches.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a change in direction" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to the act or instance of altering a course, strategy, or approach. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a change in direction" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase widely used to denote a shift in strategy, approach, or focus. As Ludwig AI confirms, its correct usage is supported by numerous examples across diverse contexts, including news, science, and business. While alternatives like ""a shift in course"" or ""a new path forward"" exist, it's crucial to select the one that best fits the intended nuance. Remember to reserve this phrase for substantial alterations rather than minor adjustments. This ensures clarity and precision in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a shift in course

Focuses more on the alteration of a route or path.

a new path forward

Implies progress and a fresh start.

a revised strategy

Highlights the alteration of a plan or method.

an altered approach

Emphasizes a modification in the way something is handled.

a turnaround

Suggests a complete reversal of a previous trend or situation.

a strategic pivot

Highlights an intentional and calculated shift in strategy.

a course correction

Similar to a shift in course, but often implies a minor adjustment.

a redirection

Emphasizes the act of guiding something towards a different aim.

a fresh perspective

Focuses on a new way of looking at something, which can lead to changes.

a realignment

Implies adjusting or reorganizing to achieve a better position or arrangement.

FAQs

How can I use "a change in direction" in a sentence?

You can use "a change in direction" to describe a shift in strategy, focus, or approach. For example: "The company decided on "a change in direction" after analyzing the market trends."

What are some alternatives to "a change in direction"?

Alternatives include "a shift in course", "a new path forward", or "a revised strategy". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a change of direction" instead of "a change in direction"?

While "a change of direction" might be understood, "a change in direction" is the more common and grammatically standard phrasing.

When is it appropriate to use "a change in direction" in a professional setting?

It's appropriate when discussing strategic shifts, project pivots, or significant adjustments to business plans. Use it to clearly communicate that a deliberate alteration is taking place.