be directed towards

USAGE SUMMARY

'be directed towards' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something is focused or aimed at something or someone. For example: Her studies are directed towards helping impoverished communities.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They should be directed towards Beit Nabala.

Independent

Science and innovation can be directed towards social goals.

The Guardian

"Temporary migration is more likely to be directed towards urban centres, and increasingly towards smaller towns.

The Guardian

Rather, questions should be directed towards the new/old crew of Moores and Saker.

The Guardian - Sport

Two-thirds of the Treasury scheme's purchasing power will be directed towards legacy loans.

The Economist

New medical technologies could in principle be directed towards cost-saving innovation.

The Economist

Instead, he suggests, support should be directed towards local leaders and clan elders.

The Economist

Should they go to existing telecoms operators or be directed towards new entrants?

The Economist

Some 40% of loans must be directed towards "priority sectors", mainly agriculture.

The Economist

Despite being public enemy No 1, plaudits have to be directed towards Callum McManaman.

Independent

Of his $9.2 billion, $4.8 billion would be directed towards prevention, and $4.4 billion towards treatment.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be directed towards", ensure that the subject clearly indicates what is being focused or aimed at. For example, "Efforts should be directed towards sustainable development."

Common error

Avoid using "be directed towards" when an active voice would be more direct and concise. Instead of "The project is being directed towards cost reduction by the manager", consider "The manager is directing the project towards cost reduction".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be directed towards" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that a subject is being oriented or aimed in a specific direction or toward a particular goal. It often appears in contexts where resources, efforts, or attention are being allocated, as confirmed by the numerous examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be directed towards" is a versatile passive verb phrase that signifies focus or orientation towards a specific aim. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable in diverse writing contexts. While highly prevalent in scientific, news, and formal business environments, it is crucial to remain aware of potentially more impactful active-voice alternatives for clearer communication. By following best practices and avoiding common pitfalls, you can confidently employ "be directed towards" to articulate strategic intent and focused efforts in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be aimed at

This alternative emphasizes the intended target or recipient of an action or effort.

be geared towards

This suggests that something is specifically designed or organized to achieve a particular outcome.

be focused on

This highlights a concentration of attention or resources on a particular subject or objective.

be oriented to

This implies an alignment or positioning towards a specific purpose or direction.

be targeted at

This indicates a deliberate selection of a specific group or area as the recipient of an action.

be channeled into

This suggests that resources or efforts are guided into a particular area or activity.

be inclined to

This indicates a natural tendency or preference towards something.

be predisposed to

Suggests a pre-existing inclination or susceptibility to something.

be predisposed towards

This suggests a prior tendency or inclination toward a particular thing.

cater to

This emphasizes meeting specific needs or preferences.

FAQs

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

Use "be directed towards" to show where efforts, resources, or attention are being focused. For example: "All our funding will "be directed towards" improving education standards."

What are some alternatives to "be directed towards"?

You can use alternatives like "be aimed at", "be focused on", or "be geared towards" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "be directed towards" or a more active construction?

While "be directed towards" is grammatically correct, an active construction can often be more concise and impactful. For instance, instead of "Resources should "be directed towards" this area", consider "We should direct resources to this area."

What's the difference between "be directed towards" and "be directed at"?

"Be directed towards" implies a general orientation or focus, while "be directed at" suggests a specific target. "Efforts were "be directed towards" solving the problem" means efforts were generally focused on finding a solution. "The campaign was "be directed at" young voters" means the campaign specifically targeted young voters.