at his direction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at his direction" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a person who has given instructions or guidance for a particular task. For example, "I completed the project at his direction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

"Not at his direction, but he knew".

The New Yorker

The federal government is undergoing a rebranding under President Trump — although not all at his direction.

The Washington Post

The federal government is undergoing a rebranding under [Trump] — although not all at his direction.

The Washington Post

The computer would read his thoughts and move a second, animated hand at his direction.

The Guardian

And she remembered, at his direction, chatting with men over the Internet about the photos he sent them.

The New York Times - Magazine

At his direction, the Transportation Department hired about 15 private plows, which union officials said were not needed.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

I always laughed at his directions because he's a really funny guy.

Huffington Post

Nevertheless, at times his direction feels confused and slight.

The New Yorker

Sometimes he was resented -- a club was thrown at him (or at least in his direction) -- when a player muffed a shot, particularly after his advice was not taken.

The New York Times - Sports

Right now?' "Slowly he removed his jacket and, at his quiet direction, she composed her legs on the long couch".

The New York Times - Books

So adept was the then 17-year-old at dealing with the myriad microphones and notebooks being thrust in his direction at Carnoustie, Chandler swiftly realised it would be a waste of time.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at his direction" to clearly indicate that an action was taken because someone instructed or guided it. This phrase is useful in formal writing where precision is important.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "at his direction" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "he told me to" or "he asked me to" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at his direction" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the manner in which an action was performed. It specifies that the action was carried out under the instruction or guidance of a particular person. Ludwig provides examples from various sources showcasing its use in describing actions taken following someone's orders.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at his direction" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that signifies an action carried out under someone's instruction or guidance. Ludwig confirms its correctness. It is most commonly found in news and media sources, with a neutral to formal register, making it suitable for professional, news, and academic contexts. While versatile, it's best to consider the audience and context to ensure the level of formality is appropriate. While grammatically correct, simpler alternatives may be preferred in casual conversations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under his guidance

This alternative highlights the aspect of guidance and support, suggesting a more collaborative approach than a strict command.

at his command

Implies authority and control, often used in military or formal settings.

on his orders

This phrase emphasizes the hierarchical nature of the relationship, implying a direct command was given.

per his request

This indicates that the action was carried out because someone asked for it specifically.

as he instructed

Focuses on the act of giving instructions, suitable when emphasizing the communication process.

pursuant to his instructions

A more formal and legalistic way of saying "at his direction", often found in official documents.

following his lead

Suggests a situation where someone is setting an example or a course of action for others to follow.

by his authorization

Highlights that the action was officially approved or sanctioned by the person in question.

in accordance with his wishes

Emphasizes deference to someone's desires or preferences, rather than a strict directive.

with his endorsement

Suggests approval and support, rather than a direct order or instruction.

FAQs

How can I use "at his direction" in a sentence?

You can use "at his direction" to indicate that someone performed an action because they were instructed or guided by another person. For example, "The project was completed "at his direction".".

What are some alternatives to "at his direction"?

Some alternatives include "under his guidance", "on his orders", or "as he instructed". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "at his direction" formal or informal?

"At his direction" leans toward the formal side. While it's grammatically correct in any context, simpler phrases might be more appropriate for casual conversations.

What's the difference between "at his direction" and "with his permission"?

"At his direction" implies that someone instructed or guided an action, while "with his permission" indicates that someone simply gave consent. One suggests active involvement, the other passive approval.