at their direction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at their direction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that an action is being taken based on the instructions or guidance of someone else. Example: "The project was completed at their direction, ensuring that all specifications were met."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

At their direction, he studied theology at the University of Groningen and was ordained a minister in 1683.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The details are likely to be published next month, but he is happy to hint at their direction of travel.

The Guardian

The statement continued: "We were harmed by the Bayou funds and those funds should bear responsibility for the actions we took on their behalf and at their direction.

The New York Times

Mayor Bloomberg and Senator Schumer used a study conducted at their direction by McKinsey & Company, a consulting firm, to argue that "if we do nothing within 10 years, while we will remain a leading regional financial center, we will no longer be the financial capital of the world".

The New York Times

Johnson feared that the freedmen, many of whom were still economically bound to their former masters, might vote at their direction.

Wikipedia

Đôn's assertion that the assassinations were unplanned proved sufficient for Lodge, who told the State Department that "I am sure assassination was not at their direction".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

If, as now seems likely, Arsenal finish this season empty-handed that would leave them without a trophy since winning the FA Cup in 2005, and Fabregas believes the club need to look at their overall direction.

Independent

We turned in their direction at the first chance and soon arrived at a string of bare bulbs dangling over a barbed wire enclosure.

The New York Times

Catastrophe is a short work consisting of one scene, in which a director and his assistant discuss a mute figure they are preparing for a performance: he is a dehumanised character, like a tailor's dummy, at the mercy of their direction; his only gesture of independence is to raise his head at the end of the play – an act of resistance in the face of oppression.

The Guardian

He died from three fatal wounds – to the head, heart and liver – when seven officers fired as he lowered the barrel in their direction at 9.32pm.

The Guardian

On passing through the neutral line, field lines from opposite sides connect and flow rapidly away from the neutral line at right angles to their direction of inflow.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at their direction", ensure the context clearly identifies who "they" refers to, avoiding ambiguity. For instance, specify the group or individuals whose guidance is being followed.

Common error

Avoid using "at their direction" when the identity of "they" is unclear or has not been previously established. This can lead to confusion and weaken the clarity of your writing. Always ensure the referent is explicit.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at their direction" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate the source of instruction or control. Ludwig examples showcase its use in attributing actions or decisions to specific entities.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

21%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Science

14%

Formal & Business

7%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at their direction" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate that an action was performed based on someone's instructions or guidance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts, with a neutral to professional register. While the phrase is not extremely common, it appears across different source types. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity about who "they" refers to, thereby avoiding ambiguity and strengthening your writing. As seen in Ludwig, the phrase effectively attributes responsibility or agency for a specific action, providing clear attribution in professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under their guidance

This alternative emphasizes the advisory and supportive role of the individuals providing direction.

following their instructions

This alternative focuses on the act of adhering to specific orders or commands.

on their orders

This alternative highlights the authoritative nature of the direction, suggesting a formal command structure.

as they directed

This alternative uses a past tense verb to describe the action of giving direction.

pursuant to their directives

This alternative uses more formal and legalistic language to indicate compliance with official instructions.

in accordance with their wishes

This alternative emphasizes the desires or preferences of the individuals providing direction.

at their behest

This alternative implies a request or urging that is difficult to refuse.

by their authorization

This alternative focuses on the formal permission or approval granted by the individuals providing direction.

with their approval

This alternative highlights that the actions were endorsed or sanctioned by the individuals.

under their supervision

This alternative emphasizes the monitoring and oversight role of the individuals providing direction.

FAQs

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

You can use "at their direction" to indicate that an action was performed based on someone's instructions or guidance. For example, "The investigation was launched at their direction."

What are some alternatives to "at their direction"?

Some alternatives include "under their guidance", "following their instructions", or "on their orders".

Which is more formal, "at their direction" or "under their guidance"?

"At their direction" and "under their guidance" are generally interchangeable in terms of formality. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "at their direction" and "with their approval"?

"At their direction" implies that an action was carried out according to specific instructions, while "with their approval" simply means that the action was sanctioned or permitted.