altering the direction of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "altering the direction of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing changes in movement, focus, or strategy in various contexts, such as navigation, decision-making, or project management. Example: "The team is focused on altering the direction of the project to better meet client needs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

A year later his brother became regent, and the government in Berlin immediately began altering the direction of its policy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

There was an evident gulf between the teams from the start, Saracens attacking with alacrity and aplomb making decisions quickly and altering the direction of moves, while Bath relied on individual breaks and had little cohesion.

The Guardian - Sport

In a combative interview with the BBC's Andrew Marr, the prime minister said: "This would be the first time in our history that a group of nationalists from one part of our country would be involved in altering the direction of our country, and I think that is a frightening prospect".

The Guardian

In a combative and sometimes ill-tempered interview with the BBC's Andrew Marr on Sunday morning, he said: "This would be the first time in our history that a group of nationalists from one part of our country would be involved in altering the direction of our country, and I think that is a frightening prospect".

The Guardian

In a combative and sometimes ill-tempered interview with the BBC's Andrew Marr, he said: "This would be the first time in our history that a group of nationalists from one part of our country would be involved in altering the direction of our country and I think that is a frightening prospect".

The Guardian

The handbrake located between the legs consists of an aluminum claw that grips the snow and ice directly beneath the center of mass of the sled without altering the direction of travel, enabling you to slough off speed, but also providing absolute, confident stops.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

"A chance meeting, a quirk of fate, altered the direction of my life," he wrote.

The New York Times - Arts

So has making "The Last September" altered the direction of her career?

The New York Times

McLane told Clemens last winter to come home and help alter the direction of the franchise.

The New York Times - Sports

Even so, his trifecta did little to alter the direction of the race.

The Economist

Reich, the Guardian once suggested, is one of the few composers who have "altered the direction of musical history".

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "altering the direction of", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being redirected, whether it's a physical object, a strategy, or a concept.

Common error

Avoid using "altering the direction of" when a simpler term like "changing" or "modifying" would suffice, especially in abstract or philosophical contexts. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "altering the direction of" functions as a verbal phrase used to describe the action of changing the course or path of something. It emphasizes a deliberate effort to modify or redirect a trajectory, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "altering the direction of" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe changing the course or path of something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While not the most common phrase, it is suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and formal writing. When writing, ensure the context clearly indicates what is being redirected and avoid overuse in simple contexts. Alternatives include "changing the course of" or "modifying the path of". Top sources for examples of this phrase are The Guardian, The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

changing the trajectory of

Focuses on changing a projected path or course, often in a more physical or strategic sense.

modifying the course of

Suggests a more deliberate and controlled adjustment to a pre-existing path.

redirecting the path of

Implies a significant change in direction, potentially steering something away from its original course.

shifting the focus of

Highlights a change in attention or emphasis rather than a physical direction.

adjusting the bearing of

Suggests a minor correction to maintain the intended direction.

reorienting the approach to

Emphasizes a change in the way something is tackled or considered.

transforming the orientation of

Conveys a more fundamental or structural change in direction or perspective.

amending the heading of

Relates to a specific directional change, like in navigation or written text.

varying the inclination of

Refers to changing the angle or slope, often in a technical or scientific context.

swerving from the path of

Implies a sudden and potentially uncontrolled change in direction.

FAQs

How can I use "altering the direction of" in a sentence?

Use "altering the direction of" to describe the act of changing the course or path of something. For example, "The new policy aims at altering the direction of the company's growth".

What are some alternatives to "altering the direction of"?

You can use alternatives like "changing the course of", "modifying the path of", or "redirecting the trajectory of" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "alter the direction" or "change the direction"?

While both are correct, "alter" suggests a more nuanced or subtle change compared to "change". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey in your writing.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "altering the direction of"?

It may be inappropriate if a simpler word like "changing" would suffice, or if the context doesn't genuinely involve a change in course or path. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex. Use alternatives like "modifying" or "changing" when possible.