a common directive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a common directive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a widely accepted instruction or guideline that is typically followed in a particular context or organization. Example: "In our team meetings, we often refer to a common directive that emphasizes the importance of collaboration and communication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

What I saw seemed like chunks of a continuing discourse, played by an enormous ensemble, under a common directive.

The New York Times - Arts

On the other side, the European Union has instituted more of a blanket regulatory system; it has a common directive that gives its citizens certain fundamental rights — like the right to obtain copies of records held about them by companies and institutions — that Americans now lack.

The New York Times - Tech

In the Swedish healthcare system a common directive in most practice guidelines is that relevant basal investigations should be performed and evaluated in primary care before the patients are referred to secondary care.

BMC Family Practice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Stick it in his ear.' " A knockdown pitch, if not a bean ball, was a common dugout directive in that era.

The New York Times - Sports

For Han officials and literati, however, the new hairstyle was shameful and demeaning (because it breached a common Confucian directive to preserve one's body intact), whereas for common folk cutting their hair was the same as losing their virility.

Wikipedia

Following the discussions -- some call them arguments -- there will have to be a collective effort in order to translate each country's different lessons into common directives.

Huffington Post

On the European level the "Directive for a common framework for electronic signatures" will be adopted in the European Community this year.

Forbes

As Switzerland joined the directive on a common catalogue of varieties through an agreement with the EU in 2002, the four countries have access to a large number of registered varieties.

Environmental Sciences Europe

Furthermore expanding the HC with additional information about land use, environmental and social management data, would result in establishing a land information system that fulfils European directives within a common and interoperable framework.

Open Geospatial Data, Software and Standards

Our experiences with parallel applications and frameworks lead us to the conclusion that achieving performance portability requires a common set of high-level directives and efficient mapping onto each architecture.

Journal of Parallel and Distributed Computing

Marine spatial planning (MSP) is a fast evolving discipline signified by the European Commission׳s proposed directive to create a common framework for MSP and integrated coastal management in EU waters and coastal areas.

Marine Policy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a common directive", ensure the context clearly establishes who is issuing the directive and who is expected to follow it for clarity.

Common error

Avoid assuming everyone understands the context of "a common directive". Always provide sufficient background information to ensure the audience knows exactly what the directive entails and to whom it applies.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a common directive" functions as a noun phrase. It generally acts as a subject or object in a sentence, referring to a widely accepted instruction or guideline. As demonstrated by Ludwig, the phrase appears in a variety of contexts, further confirming its versatility.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a common directive" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in English, referring to a widely accepted instruction or guideline. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides examples across different contexts, including news, science, and general knowledge. While the frequency is relatively rare, its usage is appropriate in both formal and informal settings. Remember to provide sufficient context to ensure clarity and avoid misinterpretations. Consider alternatives like "a shared instruction" or "a general guideline" to diversify your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a shared instruction

Focuses on the act of instructing rather than the guiding principle itself.

a general guideline

Emphasizes the guiding nature of the directive while broadening its specificity.

a standard procedure

Highlights the procedural aspect of the directive, implying a set of steps to follow.

a unified mandate

Stresses the authoritative and unified nature of the directive.

a collective agreement

Shifts the focus to the agreement aspect, suggesting a directive born from consensus.

a widespread guideline

Emphasizes how often the guideline is followed or used.

a universal principle

Highlights the wide-ranging applicability of the underlying principle.

a routine order

Focuses on the habitual and prescribed nature of the directive.

a typical guideline

Indicates the directive is representative and not unusual.

a frequent instruction

Stresses that the directive is often given or repeated.

FAQs

How can I use "a common directive" in a sentence?

You can use "a common directive" to describe a guideline or instruction that is generally followed within a specific group or context. For instance, "A common directive in healthcare is to prioritize patient safety above all else."

What's the difference between "a common directive" and "a general guideline"?

"A common directive" suggests a more specific instruction that is widely followed, while "a general guideline" implies a broader recommendation that might allow for more flexibility.

What can I say instead of "a common directive"?

You can use alternatives like "a shared instruction", "a standard procedure", or "a unified mandate" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a common directive" in formal writing?

Yes, "a common directive" is suitable for formal writing, especially when referring to established rules or instructions within an organization or field. It conveys a sense of established practice and authority.