change in direction

USAGE SUMMARY

"change in direction" is a perfectly grammatical and valid phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to an alteration of movement, plans, or goals. For example, "We decided to make a change in direction and lower our overhead costs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

The Guardian

The New York Times

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That's a change in direction".

The New York Times

"It was a real change in direction".

The New York Times

That was quite a change in direction.

The Guardian - Sport

Turnbull says this is a deliberate change in direction.

The Guardian

In conservation terms it's a big change in direction.

The Guardian

Some lead you to a comprehensive change in direction.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We don't expect a massive change in direction and priorities".

The New York Times

I never thought there would be a change in direction".

The New York Times - Sports

The mixtape itself isn't a huge change in direction.

The Guardian - Music

The change in direction vastly improved the channel's fortunes.

The New York Times

Somehow this suits her recent change in direction.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "change in direction", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being altered, whether it's a plan, strategy, or physical route.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by specifying what the "change in direction" refers to. For example, instead of saying "There was a change in direction", specify "The company made a change in direction regarding its marketing strategy".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "change in direction" functions primarily as a noun phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is used to denote an alteration of movement, plans, or goals. For example, it can be used to describe a strategic shift or a physical re-routing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "change in direction" functions as a noun phrase indicating an alteration or modification. As Ludwig AI points out, its function ranges from shifts in strategy to physical re-routings. The phrase maintains a neutral register, finding frequent use across diverse sources, primarily within News & Media. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the subject undergoing the change. For alternatives, consider "shift in course", "alteration in strategy", or "pivot in approach".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

new direction

Simply suggests starting in a new direction, often after the initial plan failed.

shift in course

Focuses on the alteration of a route or path, either literally or figuratively.

alteration in strategy

Highlights a modification to a plan or method intended to achieve a specific goal.

pivot in approach

Suggests a turning point or a significant adjustment in how something is tackled.

modification in plan

Emphasizes a revision or amendment to an existing scheme.

adjustment in tactics

Refers to a fine-tuning or adaptation of specific actions taken to reach a desired outcome.

reversal of policy

Indicates a complete turnaround or cancellation of a previously established guideline.

turnaround

This refers to a completely positive change in fortune, situation, etc.

deviation from norm

This suggests an action or decision is different from the norm or usual behavior.

departure from tradition

Suggests an abandonment of methods that have been used for a long time.

FAQs

How can I use "change in direction" in a sentence?

You can use "change in direction" to indicate a shift in plans, strategies, or even physical routes. For example: "The project required a significant "change in direction" after the initial results came in".

What are some alternatives to "change in direction"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "shift in course", "alteration in strategy", or "pivot in approach".

Is "change of direction" the same as "change in direction"?

While similar, "change of direction" can sometimes imply a more complete or abrupt alteration, whereas "change in direction" might suggest a more gradual adjustment. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Can "change in direction" be used in both literal and figurative contexts?

Yes, "change in direction" can be used both literally (e.g., describing a vehicle's movement) and figuratively (e.g., describing a shift in business strategy or personal goals). For example: "The hurricane's "change in direction" caught many by surprise", and "The company announced a "change in direction" to focus on sustainable practices".