as directed by

USAGE SUMMARY

"as directed by" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when giving instructions on how to do something or when referencing who gave explicit instructions on how to do something. For example: "Please follow the safety guidelines as directed by the instructor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's Countryfile as directed by Terrence Malick.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Turn left along the bridleway as directed by the fingerpost.

The Guardian - Travel

In performance, as directed by Mr. Breuer, "B.

The New York Times

The Wings of Desire, as directed by Mel Brooks?

The Guardian - Film

It's like Home Alone as directed by Sam Raimi.

The Guardian - Film

He confirmed the verdicts as directed by the judge.

The Guardian

It's Stars in their Eyes as directed by Andy Warhol.

The Guardian - Film

As directed by Jenny Bennett, this "Henry" giveth and taketh.

The New York Times

The cast, as directed by Gary Shrader, is consistently appealing.

The New York Times

SKYFALL James Bond No. 23, as directed by Sam Mendes.

The New York Times

Life as directed by David Lynch has become his new normal.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as directed by", clearly identify who is providing the direction to avoid ambiguity. For example, "Administer the medication as directed by the physician" is clearer than "Administer the medication as directed."

Common error

Avoid using "as directed by" without specifying who is giving the direction. Saying "Complete the task as directed by" is vague. Instead, state explicitly who gave the directions, such as "Complete the task as directed by the project manager."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as directed by" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or clause. It indicates that an action is carried out according to someone's instructions or commands. Ludwig examples illustrate this usage across diverse contexts, confirming its role in specifying adherence to guidance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

28%

Science

25%

Wiki

22%

Less common in

Academia

12%

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as directed by" is a common prepositional phrase used to indicate that an action is performed according to someone's instructions or guidance. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, ranging from news and media to scientific and academic writing. While versatile, it's best practice to clearly specify who is providing the direction to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "under the guidance of" or "according to the instructions of" can be used depending on the specific nuance desired. Ludwig examples highlight its widespread usage and contextual adaptability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as per the direction of

A slightly more concise and direct synonym.

according to the instructions of

Highlights adherence to specific instructions.

in accordance with the guidelines of

Focuses on complying with established guidelines.

under the guidance of

Emphasizes advisory influence rather than strict command.

pursuant to the orders of

A more formal way of saying 'following orders'.

under the command of

Suggests a more authoritative and direct order.

on the authority of

Emphasizes the legitimacy of the directing entity.

following the lead of

Implies imitation or emulation of a leader.

at the behest of

Suggests a request or urging that is being followed.

under the tutelage of

Implies mentorship or a learning relationship.

FAQs

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

Use "as directed by" to indicate that an action should be performed according to someone's instructions. For example: "Follow the steps "as directed by the manual"" or "Administer the medication "as directed by your doctor"".

What is an alternative to "as directed by"?

Alternatives include phrases like "under the guidance of", "according to the instructions of", or "following the lead of", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "as directed by" without specifying who is directing?

While grammatically correct, it's best to specify who is providing the direction for clarity. For example, prefer "as directed by the supervisor" over just "as directed by".

What's the difference between "as directed by" and "as instructed by"?

Both phrases indicate following instructions, but "as instructed by" may imply a more formal or detailed set of instructions, while "as directed by" can encompass broader guidance. In most contexts, they are largely interchangeable.