a feeling of direction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a feeling of direction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a sense of purpose or guidance in a particular situation or life in general. Example: "After months of uncertainty, I finally have a feeling of direction in my career path."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Then he said that they had better switch back, because he could not get a feeling of direction unless he was driving.

The New Yorker

The sun being gone, there is no glare, no distortion of shadow; the city is touched with a clarity which gives it a feeling of direction, almost of serenity.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

This created a strong religious feeling which was sacred and a feeling of direct divine protection.

Pastoralism

If a person is rotated at constant velocity and then is suddenly stopped, the cupula is redeflected to give a feeling of rotation in the opposite direction; this also gives rise to dizziness and postrotational nystagmus.

Britannica

He must have got his feeling of direction back when they came to a crossroads some miles on, for he turned left, and the trees thinned out and they climbed a rough road up to a village, or at least a roadside collection of buildings.

The New Yorker

The relationship between the ingestion of bitter compounds and a feeling of fullness suggests new potential directions for scientists to design treatments, a literal "bitter pills", for obesity.

Harvard University

The dancing is often reminiscent of Merce Cunningham's apparently arbitrary changes of position and direction, with a feeling of uncomplicated, unmediated beauty in groupings and pairings.

The New York Times - Arts

One startup's boost of international customers, well managed funding round, or glorious piece of PR, gives everyone a feeling of being headed in the right direction.

Huffington Post

There's not a feeling of resisting a pull in the other direction.

Yale University

A positive effect could be due to new social contacts, activation, a new aim and direction in life, a feeling of autonomy or competence or a combination of any of these factors.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

"Suddenly, it was a feeling of real independence in terms of the directions we wanted to go in," says Templeton.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a feeling of direction" when you want to convey a sense of purpose or understanding of where you are headed, particularly in situations involving uncertainty or transition.

Common error

Avoid using "a feeling of direction" when referring to literal, physical directions. Instead, use phrases like "sense of orientation" or simply "directions".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a feeling of direction" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the object of a verb or preposition to describe a subjective sense of purpose or orientation. Ludwig confirms the validity of this phrase in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Science

34%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a feeling of direction" is a valid and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a subjective sense of purpose or orientation. According to Ludwig, this phrase is acceptable in written English. While relatively rare, its use spans various contexts, including News & Media, Academia, and Science. Related phrases include "a sense of purpose", "a sense of orientation", and "a sense of clarity". When using this phrase, it's important to avoid confusion with concrete directions and to ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning of subjective understanding or purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sense of purpose

Focuses on having a clear aim or goal in life.

a sense of orientation

Emphasizes awareness of one's position in relation to their surroundings or goals.

a sense of focus

Highlights the ability to concentrate on specific objectives.

a sense of clarity

Implies a clear understanding of one's path or goals.

a sense of drive

Stresses motivation and ambition towards achieving goals.

a sense of mission

Suggests a strong, often altruistic, purpose guiding one's actions.

a guiding principle

Refers to a fundamental belief or value that shapes one's decisions.

a roadmap for success

Implies a detailed plan or strategy to achieve a desired outcome.

a navigational star

Uses a metaphorical image of something which indicates where to go.

a trajectory to follow

Focuses on an existing defined course of action.

FAQs

What does it mean to have "a feeling of direction"?

Having "a feeling of direction" means possessing a sense of purpose, clarity, or understanding about where you are headed in life or in a particular situation. It implies knowing what you want to achieve and how to get there.

How can I gain "a feeling of direction" when I feel lost?

To gain "a feeling of direction", try setting achievable goals, identifying your values, seeking guidance from mentors, and exploring new experiences. Reflecting on your strengths and passions can also help provide "a sense of purpose".

What can I say instead of "a feeling of direction"?

You can use alternatives like "a sense of purpose", "a sense of orientation", or "a sense of clarity" depending on the specific context.

Is "a feeling of direction" the same as having a plan?

While having a plan provides concrete steps, "a feeling of direction" is more about the overall sense of where you're going and why. You can have "a feeling of direction" without a detailed plan, but a plan can certainly contribute to that feeling.