be directed toward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be directed toward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the focus or aim of an action or effort towards a specific target or goal. Example: "The new marketing strategy will be directed toward increasing brand awareness among younger consumers."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Second, efforts should be directed toward inducing bone marrow recovery.

Britannica

For example, new currency could be directed toward public works.

The Guardian

Save time that can be directed toward innovation.

MIT Technology Review

I'd merely asked to be directed toward a certain room.

The New Yorker

Future work will be directed toward determining the appropriate background levels for inorganic materials.

Quaternary International

Management should be directed toward producing the desired crops with a minimum of labour.

Britannica

Nothing could be left to chance; all must be directed toward the same end.

Britannica

If reducing emissions were the focus, however, more money would be directed toward reducing energy use.

MIT Technology Review

I believe that my energies and talents should be directed toward other challenging horizons.

The New York Times

Can self-expression defuse anger even when it can't be directed toward those responsible for inequality?

The Guardian

We suggest that initial restoration efforts be directed toward expanding existing populations of NEC.

Biological Conservation

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be directed toward", ensure the subject clearly indicates what is being focused or aimed at. This will provide clarity and avoid ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "be directed toward" when an active voice construction would be more direct and impactful. Overuse of the passive voice can make your writing sound weak or unclear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be directed toward" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject is receiving the action of being aimed or focused. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is commonly used to show the intended target or purpose of an action, effort, or resource.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

31%

Academia

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be directed toward" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to indicate that something is aimed or focused on a specific target or goal. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various domains, including science, news media, and academia. When employing this phrase, ensure that the subject and target are clearly defined to maintain clarity. While "be directed toward" is generally accepted, considering active voice constructions can sometimes lead to more direct and impactful writing. Alternative phrases such as "be aimed at" or "be focused on" can also be used to express similar meanings, depending on the desired nuance. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "be directed toward" to convey the intended focus of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be aimed at

Focuses more on the target itself, emphasizing the act of aiming.

be geared towards

Implies a specific design or preparation for a particular purpose.

be focused on

Highlights the concentration of effort on a specific area or goal.

be channeled into

Suggests a controlled flow of resources or efforts into something.

be devoted to

Emphasizes dedication and commitment to a particular cause or purpose.

be allocated to

Specifically refers to the assignment of resources to a particular purpose.

be consigned to

Suggests a more formal or even mandatory assignment to a task or place.

be oriented toward

Highlights the alignment or positioning of something towards a particular goal.

be tailored to

Implies a customized approach to meet specific needs or requirements.

be targeted at

Similar to "be aimed at" but can also imply a more strategic or selective approach.

FAQs

How can I use "be directed toward" in a sentence?

You can use "be directed toward" to indicate the focus or aim of an action or effort. For example: "The funds will "be directed toward" improving infrastructure."

What are some alternatives to "be directed toward"?

Some alternatives include "be aimed at", "be focused on", or "be geared towards", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "be directed toward" or "be directed at"?

Both "be directed toward" and "be directed at" are grammatically correct, but "be directed toward" is generally preferred when indicating a general direction or purpose, while "be directed at" is more appropriate when specifying a target.

What's the difference between "be directed toward" and "be oriented toward"?

"Be directed toward" suggests a specific focus or aim, while "be oriented toward" implies a more general alignment or positioning in relation to something. For instance, "resources are directed toward a project", whereas "a company is oriented toward customer satisfaction".