directed against

USAGE SUMMARY

"directed against" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to action that is targeted at something or someone. Example: She made a series of arguments directed against the proposed policy change.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Black anger is being directed against Barack Obama.

Independent

More complaints have been directed against him.

The New York Times

Still less is it directed against Islam.

The New York Times

Now there is base in America directed against US.

Yale University

For 'to be directed against the expression' means in this doctrine 'not to be directed against the thought'.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"There, hatred was directed against Jews, here against Arabs.

The Guardian

-- Indications of IO/IW operations directed against the UN.

The Guardian

He describes it as genocide directed against a single tribe.

Independent

Others spoke of violence directed against unarmed civilians.

The New York Times

Survivors say the violence is largely directed against civilians.

The Economist

Mentions propaganda campaigns directed against Confucious & certain other cultural figures.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "directed against", ensure the subject clearly indicates what is initiating the action and the object specifies what is being targeted. For example, "The campaign was directed against misinformation."

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by clearly identifying the target. For example, instead of saying "The policy was directed against," specify what the policy targeted: "The policy was directed against illegal immigration."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "directed against" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb to indicate the target of an action or feeling. It specifies what something is aimed or targeted at, often implying opposition or resistance. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

47%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "directed against" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate a specific target of an action or feeling. As Ludwig AI points out, it's a correct and usable phrase across various contexts. Its usage spans from scientific research to news reporting, highlighting its widespread applicability. While alternatives like "aimed at" and "targeted towards" exist, "directed against" often conveys a stronger sense of opposition. When using this phrase, clarity is key to ensure the intended target is unmistakable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

aimed at

Focuses on the action of aiming or targeting something, often with a specific goal.

targeted towards

Emphasizes the direction and intended recipient of the action.

in opposition to

Highlights the contrasting or resistant stance against something.

in conflict with

Stresses the state of disagreement or struggle against something.

levelled at

Suggests the act of pointing or directing something, such as criticism, at someone or something.

in defiance of

Emphasizes resistance or disobedience toward something.

pitched against

Implies a competitive or combative scenario.

set against

Highlights the act of positioning something in opposition to another.

at odds with

Indicates a state of disagreement or incompatibility.

designed to counter

Focuses on the intention to oppose or neutralize something.

FAQs

How to use "directed against" in a sentence?

Use "directed against" to indicate that an action, strategy, or feeling is aimed or targeted at a specific person, group, or thing. For example, "The new regulations are "directed against" pollution."

What can I say instead of "directed against"?

You can use alternatives like "aimed at", "targeted towards", or "in opposition to" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "directed against" or "directed towards"?

"Directed against" implies opposition or action against something. "Directed towards" indicates movement or focus in a particular direction. The correct choice depends on the intended meaning. For example: Efforts "directed against" disease vs. Efforts "directed towards" a solution.

What's the difference between "directed against" and "aimed at"?

While similar, "directed against" often implies a more forceful or oppositional stance, whereas "aimed at" can be more neutral. Both phrases indicate a target, but "directed against" often suggests a corrective or preventative measure.