are directed by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are directed by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate who is giving direction or guidance in a particular context, such as in organizations, projects, or creative works. Example: "The team members are directed by their project manager to ensure that all tasks are completed on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I'm substantially concerned about the policy directions of the space agency, which are directed by the administration," he said.

The Guardian

All films are directed by Dziga Vertov.

The New Yorker

Both are directed by Nathan Hull.

The New York Times - Arts

Both are directed by John Schlesinger.

The Guardian - Film

Only two are directed by women.

The Guardian - Opinion

Except where noted, all films are directed by Andy Warhol.

The New Yorker

Except where noted, all films are directed by Anderson.

The New Yorker

(All four of those films are directed by men).

The New York Times

The commercials are directed by the documentary filmmaker Errol Morris.

The New York Times

Microsoft's grassroots efforts are directed by a Republican consulting firm, Feather, Hodges, Larson & Synhorst.

The New York Times

All have books and lyrics written by Ms. Willens, and all are directed by Ms. Stein.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are directed by", ensure the subject clearly indicates what is being guided or controlled, and the object specifies the guiding entity. Clarity prevents ambiguity.

Common error

While "are directed by" is grammatically sound, overuse of passive voice can make writing seem weak or evasive. Opt for active voice when possible to create more direct and impactful sentences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are directed by" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject receives direction or control from an external agent. Ludwig shows its versatility in various contexts, illustrating its role in attributing guidance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "are directed by" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive construction. As shown by Ludwig, it appears across various domains, including news, science, and encyclopedias, with a formal to neutral register. This phrase serves to attribute guidance or control, clarifying who or what is responsible for directing a specific action or outcome. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, writers should be mindful of the potential for passive voice overuse and consider active voice alternatives for more impactful writing. Remember to clearly identify the directing entity to avoid ambiguity and ensure a strong, authoritative tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are guided by

Focuses on guidance rather than strict direction, suggesting a more collaborative or supportive approach.

are governed by

Emphasizes regulation and control through established rules or principles.

are controlled by

Highlights the power and authority exerted by the directing entity.

are managed by

Implies oversight and administration, often in a business or organizational context.

are overseen by

Suggests a supervisory role with responsibility for monitoring and ensuring compliance.

are influenced by

Indicates a less direct form of control, where external factors shape actions or decisions.

are determined by

Focuses on causation, where the directing entity sets the outcome.

are dictated by

Suggests an authoritative and often inflexible form of direction.

are run by

Highlights the operational aspects of direction, often in the context of organizations or systems.

are headed by

Emphasizes leadership and the role of a person or group in directing activities.

FAQs

How can I use "are directed by" in a sentence?

You can use "are directed by" to indicate who or what is providing guidance or control. For instance, "The company's efforts are directed by the CEO" or "The experiment's parameters are directed by the research team".

What can I say instead of "are directed by"?

You can use alternatives like "are guided by", "are controlled by", or "are managed by" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "are directed by"?

While grammatically correct, the passive voice construction "are directed by" can sometimes sound less direct than active voice. Consider if an active construction like "The CEO directs the company's efforts" might be more impactful.

What's the difference between "are directed by" and "are influenced by"?

"Are directed by" suggests a more direct and controlled form of guidance, while "are influenced by" implies a less forceful effect, where something is being shaped or swayed rather than strictly controlled.