a direction that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a direction that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific instruction or guideline that is being provided or discussed. Example: "The manager provided a direction that all team members should submit their reports by Friday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's a direction that suited them.

The Guardian - Music

It's not a direction that will be reversed".

The New York Times - Sports

You're not developing the designs in a direction that feels believable or contemporary.

The New York Times

But then the high school textbook takes a direction that has angered conservatives.

The New York Times

He follows the idea in a direction that is closer to Spinney than to Marshall.

The New York Times - Magazine

"They insist on going in a direction that speaks of cheating.

The New York Times

"We're not moving them in a direction that protects our people or our allies.

The New York Times

The potential is scanned in a direction that makes an electrochemical reaction more favourable.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Here his business genius impelled him in a direction that would have led to hell.

The New York Times - Books

But even results like these failed to move Congress in a direction that would have better protected public safety.

The New York Times

"Fashion's pendulum is swinging away from that now in a direction that is a bit anti-material".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a direction that" to clearly indicate a course of action or a trend in a specific context, ensuring the sentence structure flows smoothly and the meaning is unambiguous.

Common error

Avoid using "a direction that" when a simpler, more direct noun or verb would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound verbose or less impactful; consider direct alternatives like "trend" or "path" where appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a direction that" functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun (often implied) to specify a particular course, path, or trend. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts to describe movement, inclination, or tendency. It introduces additional information about the noun it modifies, providing clarity and specificity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

29%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a direction that" is a versatile phrase used to specify a course, path, or trend. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Its frequency in news, scientific, and wiki contexts shows its adaptability across different domains. To enhance your writing, use it to provide specific details, but avoid overuse to maintain clarity and impact. Alternatives like "a course that" or "a trend that" can offer nuanced variations. By following these guidelines, you can effectively employ "a direction that" to improve the precision and clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a course that

Focuses on the path or route being taken.

a path that

Emphasizes a specific route or way of achieving something.

a route that

Highlights a specific way of reaching a destination or achieving a goal.

a trend that

Indicates a general tendency or pattern.

a tendency that

Stresses an inclination or predisposition.

an inclination that

Focuses on a leaning or preference towards something.

a trajectory that

Suggests a projected path or development.

a way that

Emphasizes the method or manner in which something is done.

an approach that

Highlights a particular method or strategy.

a manner that

Focuses on the style or method of doing something.

FAQs

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

Use "a direction that" to specify a course, path, or trend someone or something is following. For example, "The company is moving in "a direction that" prioritizes sustainability".

What are some alternatives to "a direction that"?

You can use alternatives like "a course that", "a path that", or "a trend that" depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "a direction that" or "a way that"?

"A direction that" tends to be slightly more formal and specific, while "a way that" is more general. The best choice depends on the intended tone and the specific context of your writing.

When should I avoid using "a direction that"?

Avoid using "a direction that" if a simpler word or phrase can convey the same meaning more concisely. For example, instead of "moving in "a direction that" is positive", you could simply say "moving positively".