a formal direction

USAGE SUMMARY

'a formal direction' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to orders or instructions that are issued in a formal manner. For example: "The court issued a formal direction for the defendant to appear before the judge."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Random selection is difficult to practice in most low-income countries as no updated population registers exists, most people are functional illiterate and a formal direction with road name and number to send mail to are not available.

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Patients who are ill but stable – people with long-term conditions – stay under the formal direction of a hospital consultant but remain at home.

The Guardian

Senior officials in departments can signal their concerns about a policy by asking for a formal "ministerial direction" to press ahead.

The Guardian

The NSF assumed formal direction of the country with the inauguration of its head, Ion Iliescu, as president on June 20 , 1990

Encyclopedia Britannica

At the same time the formal direction of the animation is completed, with lip assignments being made for each syllable of dialogue and every movement of each character detailed and assigned, even down to the moment that SpongeBob blinks.

The New York Times - Arts

Civil servants were so worried about the scale of public underwriting of the scheme that they sought rare formal direction from ministers instructing them to commit extra funds to it, prompting David Cameron and George Osborne to express their frustration at delays to funding for the project.

The Guardian

We will await formal direction," said Navy Capt.

Huffington Post

The justices emphasized the narrow scope of their ruling, saying it affected only cases involving patients who are conscious, who would die without life support, and who have not left formal directions for health care or legally appointed anyone to make such decisions should they ever be unable to make them.

The New York Times

While the Bank already has de facto control over the amount of debt individual banks can take on in their funding mix, Threadneedle Street presently lacks a formal "power of direction" over total leverage throughout the sector.

Independent

What may be considered a hobby could actually be a nudge toward a more formal creative direction.

The New York Times

The result is sometimes a formal shift in policy direction.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a formal direction", ensure the context clearly indicates the source and authority behind the direction.

Common error

Avoid using "a formal direction" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler terms like "guidance" or "instructions" in such scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a formal direction" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or preposition. As Ludwig AI clarifies, it refers to instructions issued in a formal manner. The example found in Ludwig shows that it can be used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a formal direction" is a noun phrase used to denote an official or structured instruction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates a specified form of direction or set of instructions. While grammatically correct, its frequency is relatively low, typically appearing in neutral to professional contexts such as news, scientific literature, and encyclopedias. When considering its use, it is important to assess the formality of the context and consider alternatives like "official directive" or "explicit instruction" when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

official directive

Replaces "formal direction" with synonyms emphasizing authority and command.

authoritative guidance

Emphasizes the reliability and trustworthiness of the provided direction.

explicit instruction

Highlights the clarity and unambiguous nature of the guidance.

detailed instruction

Highlights the thoroughness and comprehensiveness of the direction.

structured guidance

Focuses on the organized and systematic nature of the direction.

prescribed procedure

Emphasizes the procedural aspect of the formal direction.

regulated guideline

Implies adherence to established rules and regulations.

systematic approach

Suggests a methodical and organized way of proceeding.

mandated order

Highlights the compulsory and authoritative nature.

standard protocol

Suggests a widely accepted and consistently applied approach.

FAQs

How to use "a formal direction" in a sentence?

You can use "a formal direction" to describe an official instruction or guidance, such as: "The company received "a formal direction" from the regulatory agency."

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

Alternatives include "official directive", "explicit instruction", or "structured guidance", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a formal direction" appropriate for informal communication?

While grammatically correct, "a formal direction" is best suited for professional or official contexts. Simpler terms are preferable in informal settings.

What is the difference between "a formal direction" and "an informal suggestion"?

"A formal direction" implies a structured, authoritative instruction, while "an informal suggestion" is a casual recommendation without binding force.