as they directed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as they directed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to following instructions or guidance provided by someone else. Example: "The team completed the project as they directed, ensuring all specifications were met."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Many of the department's highest-ranking officers barely escaped when the north tower fell as they directed operations from its lobby.

The New York Times

Chief Ganci, who died with Commissioner Feehan in the collapse of the second tower as they directed operations at Vesey and West Streets, led by example, colleagues said.

The New York Times

More importantly, he found that IELTS preparation courses were different in focus from EAP courses, as they "directed learners away from their academic subjects and toward the topics and text types featured in the test" (Green, 2006, p. 364).

Language Testing in Asia

Elsewhere, Chelsea and Newcastle sent out an early warning message to Liverpool and Arsenal, who struggled to find the net, while there were crushing wins for Fulham and Swansea as they directed Norwich and QPR back to the drawing board after just one game.

BBC

"Cadet Hartman, how many seats are in the Cadet Chapel?" The upperclassman shouted as they directed questions at us one-by-one.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

And leaders feed off the crowd as much as they direct it.

The New Yorker

Nostalgia is frequently the default setting for movie lovers, who, even as they direct their eyes toward the screen, look back dreamily at a lost Arcadian time when the popcorn was crunchier and the films more substantial.

The New York Times

They must be among the options that governors and mayors can choose from, as they direct the new federal funds for infrastructure.

Forbes

Our powerful unconscious minds define our reality, even as they direct the majority of our behaviors and beliefs.

Huffington Post

Polymer scaffolds are central to tissue engineering technology, as they direct a variety of cellular processes based on the structural and biochemical properties of the scaffold [ 59– 61].

BioMed Research International

True, the words on the page come alive through the efforts of the actors and the supporting artists and craftsman as they direct, stage and light the action.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as they directed" when you want to emphasize that actions were performed under the specific guidance or instructions of a particular group or individual. Ensure the context clearly identifies who 'they' refers to.

Common error

Avoid using "as they directed" if the 'they' is unclear or ambiguous in the context. Always make sure the audience knows exactly who is providing the direction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as they directed" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by indicating the manner in which an action was performed. It specifies that the action was carried out following the instructions or guidance provided by a particular group or individual. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in sentences.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as they directed" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to indicate that an action was performed according to specific instructions or guidance. Ludwig AI confirms this usage. It is most commonly found in News & Media sources, with infrequent usage overall. When using the phrase, ensure that the referent of 'they' is clear to avoid ambiguity. While the phrase is valid and understandable, alternatives like "following their instructions" may provide greater clarity or formality depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

following their instructions

Replaces "directed" with a more explicit term for guidance; highlights adherence to specific instructions.

in accordance with their guidance

Emphasizes compliance with provided advice or leadership.

under their command

Suggests a hierarchical structure where actions are performed according to orders.

as per their specifications

Focuses on meeting specific requirements or standards set by them.

pursuant to their orders

A more formal way of stating actions taken in response to official directives.

guided by their leadership

Highlights the influence and direction provided by leaders.

acting on their advice

Focuses on heeding suggestions or recommendations.

as they prescribed

Implies following a set course of action or treatment dictated by them.

according to their dictates

Indicates actions are being done under the firm authority of someone.

under their supervision

Emphasizes monitoring and control during the performance of a task.

FAQs

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

Use "as they directed" to show actions were taken based on someone's instructions. For example, "The team followed the protocol "as they directed", ensuring consistent results".

What are some alternatives to "as they directed"?

Alternatives include "following their instructions", "in accordance with their guidance", or "under their command", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "as they directed" in formal writing?

It's suitable in formal writing when you need to clearly indicate that specific instructions were followed. It provides a direct and unambiguous connection between the action and the source of direction.

Is "as they directed" interchangeable with "as directed"?

"As directed" is more general, implying instructions were given, but not necessarily specifying by whom. "As they directed" specifies who gave the instructions, adding clarity and accountability.