changing direction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "changing direction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a shift in focus, strategy, or physical movement in various contexts. Example: "After careful consideration, the team decided that changing direction was necessary to achieve their goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If Mr. Bush were planning on changing direction in some way, staff changes might be useful.

The New York Times

And then Charles Widmore, directing his campaign from afar and apparently changing direction mid-stream.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

This first career change involved staying within the same sector, but changing direction.

Science Magazine

changing direction".

The New York Times

I kept changing direction without good reason.

The New York Times

I kept changing direction for one reason.

The New York Times

"The wind kept changing direction," Moffitt said.

The New York Times - Sports

Why are your books always changing direction?

The Guardian - Books

- Sand-dunes in California, plants changing direction.

University of California, Berkeley

As such, many traditional supporters of orphanages are changing direction.

The Guardian

Just fashion changing direction, looking for a fresh hit.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "changing direction", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being redirected, whether it's a strategy, a physical path, or a focus of attention.

Common error

Avoid using "changing direction" without clearly specifying what is changing direction. For example, instead of saying "The project is changing direction", specify "The project's marketing strategy is changing direction".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "changing direction" functions primarily as a verb phrase, often part of a continuous verb tense. It describes the action of altering course, strategy, or focus. As Ludwig suggests, it indicates a shift from one path or method to another.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

24%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "changing direction" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the action of altering a course, strategy, or focus. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across diverse contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic settings. Its neutral-to-professional register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communications. To ensure clarity, specify what is "changing direction" and consider alternatives like "altering course" or "shifting focus" to provide more nuanced meaning. Remember that while "changing direction" is a common phrase, precise language always enhances the impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

altering course

Focuses on a shift in the path or route taken, whether physical or metaphorical.

pivoting

Implies a quick and decisive change in strategy or approach, often in response to new information or circumstances.

shifting focus

Emphasizes a change in attention or emphasis towards a different area or aspect.

adjusting trajectory

Highlights a modification in the projected path or development of something.

revising strategy

Focuses on the act of rethinking and modifying a plan to achieve a desired outcome.

redirecting efforts

Indicates a change in the deployment of resources or energy towards a different goal.

making an about-face

Suggests a complete reversal of opinion or policy.

doing a u-turn

Implies a sharp reversal of direction or policy.

changing tack

Refers to altering the approach or method used to deal with a situation.

altering one's bearing

Highlights a change in one's orientation or attitude.

FAQs

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

You can use "changing direction" to describe altering a course of action, like in the sentence "The company is "changing direction" to focus on sustainability".

What are some alternatives to "changing direction"?

Alternatives to "changing direction" include "altering course", "pivoting", or "shifting focus", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "change direction" or "changing direction"?

The choice between "change direction" and "changing direction" depends on the grammatical context. "Change direction" is often used as an infinitive or imperative, while "changing direction" is used in continuous tenses (e.g., "is changing direction").

What's the difference between "adjusting trajectory" and "changing direction"?

"Adjusting trajectory" specifically implies making alterations to a projected path, while "changing direction" is a more general term that can refer to altering any course, plan, or physical path.