directed around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "directed around" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in contexts where you want to describe something being aimed or focused in various directions, but it is not commonly used. Example: "The discussion was directed around various topics, including climate change and economic policy."

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Pedestrians and cyclists will be directed around the area via Pacific and Albany Streets.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Previously scientists saw the universe as dominated by starlight, yet Rubin changed this to a view directed around "nonluminous mass".

The Guardian

Second, the wave energy should be either directed around a hidden space or compensated by using lossy and gain media38.

Nature

Entering the rally, before a crowd of about 60 people, she directed around 15 young children towards a makeshift stage.

The Guardian

Jump out again, then press the "crouch" button and you hit the ground in a power slide, which can be directed around corners.

The Guardian - Tech

In the 80s and 90s such investments were directed around IT – leading to what became decades of growth related to the internet revolution.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Cairo's traffic is being re-directed around its barricaded hub in Tahrir Square, where lots of protesters remain, slowed down by many checkpoints, but this is a city long-used to traffic jams.

The Economist

Nor does he just direct the principals; he directs around the edges with no one left out.

The Guardian

Cruz has deepened his ties to the little-known data analytics firm, Cambridge Analytica, directing around 20% of overall spending during the reporting period to the data scientists embedded at Cruz's campaign headquarters in Houston.

The Guardian

Pretty sweet device: an iPad on a Segway that a remote user can direct around the office.

Forbes

Tom Postilio, singer, in "This Time Around," directed by Thommie Walsh.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "directed around" with a more precise verb phrase that captures the specific action or intention, such as "rerouted around" for traffic or "focused on" for discussions.

Common error

Avoid using "directed around" when a more specific verb would better convey the intended meaning. For example, instead of "resources were directed around the problem", consider "resources were allocated to solve the problem" for clearer communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "directed around" functions as a verb phrase, typically used in the passive voice. It describes the action of guiding, re-routing, or focusing something in relation to a specific area or object. As Ludwig AI indicates, while acceptable, consider stronger verbs for clarity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "directed around" is a verb phrase used to describe the act of guiding or re-routing something in relation to a specific object or area. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that while the phrase is acceptable, stronger, more precise verbs could often enhance clarity. Its usage spans various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Academia, and although it's widespread its use may be enhanced through considering stronger alternatives like "rerouted around", "centered around", or "focused on".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

guided through

Focuses on leading someone or something along a path or process.

oriented toward

Implies a specific focus or alignment towards a goal or direction.

channelled towards

Suggests a more forceful or deliberate redirection of resources or efforts.

navigated around

Emphasizes maneuvering or avoiding obstacles while moving in a certain area.

steered around

Similar to navigated but implies control over movement or direction.

focused on

Highlights the concentration of attention or effort on a particular subject.

centered around

Indicates that something is organized or structured with a particular element as its core.

rerouted around

Specifically refers to changing a route to bypass something.

diverted around

Like rerouted, but can also suggest a temporary change of direction.

funnelled around

Suggests a narrowing or concentrating of flow around something.

FAQs

How can I use "directed around" in a sentence?

Use "directed around" to describe something being guided or re-routed around an object or area, such as "Traffic was directed around the accident site." Consider alternative phrases such as "rerouted around" or "diverted around" for similar meanings.

What can I say instead of "directed around"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "focused on", "centered around", or "guided through". The best choice will depend on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "directed around"?

While "directed around" is not inherently grammatically incorrect, it can sometimes sound awkward or vague. Ensure the context is clear and consider whether a more precise verb phrase would improve the sentence. Ludwig suggests alternatives for improved clarity.

What's the difference between "directed around" and "centered around"?

"Directed around" implies a re-routing or guidance around something, whereas "centered around" suggests that something is the main focus or core element. For example, "traffic was directed around the construction site" versus "the discussion was centered around environmental issues".