direction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "direction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to guidance or instructions on how to do something or where to go. Example: "Please provide clear direction on how to complete the project successfully."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Film

Sport

Music

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

MPs and peers laughed as Merkel, who recalled her first visit to London in the spring of 1990 shortly after the fall of the Berlin Wall, said those expecting a "fundamental reform of the European architecture" in Britain's direction would be disappointed.

The Guardian

But at least it is a step in the right direction.

The Economist

Her government's tacit support for Saddam Hussein's war against Iran led to successive Gulf wars and John Major's studied neutrality in Bosnia – which later pushed Tony Blair in the opposite direction, towards costly interventionism that overstretched MoD resources.

The Guardian - Opinion

And as far as there was any direction to party policy under Kennedy, it was away from that you would expect from his publicly expressed views.

The Guardian - Opinion

But it was also symptomatic of the lack of direction to Liberal Democrat policy or strategy under his leadership.

The Guardian - Opinion

Related: Australia has forfeited world leadership on climate policy, says Kofi Annan panel "So I am on a mission, I'm on an environmental crusade to go and motivate everyone to go in that direction".

The Guardian - Film

"We have recent pronunciations from the prime minister and the defence minister that go in a different direction from Alfano, who is also head of a small rightwing party that worked with Berlusconi until the day before yesterday and so has to keep his people quiet," he said.

The Guardian

Her retirement is another step in the right (or, technically, left) direction for Minnesota's progressives, who are on something of a roll lately with the defeat of a voter ID law and the passage of marriage equality legislation.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Matrix took Oscars for the sound, visual effects and editing, and Sleepy Hollow for art direction.

The Guardian

Until McIlroy and Dubai Duty Free stepped forward, this was a tournament minus a sponsor and, essentially, direction.

The Guardian - Sport

Now she asserted her constitutional right to take over the running of the country, and got the military top brass – themselves concerned with the direction Malawi was taking – to support her. Banda's inauguration as president in April 2012 was a turning point for Malawi.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "direction", ensure it clearly indicates a path, instruction, or trend. Providing specific details enhances clarity. For instance, instead of saying 'we need direction', specify 'we need clear direction on marketing strategies'.

Common error

Do not use "direction" without providing context. Saying a project lacks "direction" is vague; clarify what kind of direction is missing, such as "strategic direction" or "creative direction".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "direction" is as a noun. It refers to a line or course along which something is moving, a general tendency, or guidance. Ludwig examples showcase its use in diverse contexts such as political strategy and film.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Film

10%

Sport

7%

Less common in

Music

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "direction" functions primarily as a noun, commonly used to denote a route, guidance, or trend. As affirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically sound and finds frequent application across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, vague usage should be avoided; clarity is enhanced by specifying the type of "direction", such as "strategic" or "creative". For similar concepts, "guidance", "course", and "management" provide suitable alternatives. The phrase is deemed appropriate for neutral communication, steering clear of overly formal or informal tones, ensuring its relevance across a spectrum of scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

guidance

Emphasizes advice and assistance provided to navigate or achieve something.

course

Refers to a route or path taken, suggesting a specific way forward.

management

Focuses on the act of controlling and organizing resources or efforts.

orientation

Highlights the alignment or positioning towards a specific goal or understanding.

trajectory

Indicates a projected path or line of development.

approach

Suggests a method or strategy for dealing with a situation.

instruction

Focuses on detailed orders or teachings.

focus

Highlights the center of attention or activity.

trend

Describes a general tendency or pattern.

aim

Refers to a purpose or intention.

FAQs

How can I use "direction" in a sentence?

You can use "direction" to refer to a course, instruction, or trend. For example, "The company needs a new strategic direction" or "Follow the direction of the arrow".

What can I say instead of "direction"?

You can use alternatives like "guidance", "course", or "management" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "direction" or "directive"?

"Direction" refers to a path or guidance, while "directive" is an official instruction. The correct choice depends on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "direction" and "orientation"?

"Direction" implies a course or path to follow, while "orientation" suggests an alignment or positioning towards a specific goal or understanding. The difference between them lies in the approach.