direction of things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "direction of things" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the general trend or course of events in a particular context. Example: "The direction of things in the economy suggests a potential recovery in the coming months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

"I trust that Josefina will change the direction of things".

The New York Times

It may just be the direction of things.

The New York Times

St . Louiscannot be pleased about the direction of things.

The New York Times

The wider reasons, of values and outlook and general dissatisfaction with the direction of things, would still apply.

The Guardian

Sensing the direction of things, he suddenly turned — "Hey, you heard of Rao's?" The legendary, impossible-to-get-into Italian restaurant in East Harlem?

The New York Times

Pope Nicholas III (1277 80), sensing the direction of things, removed Charles from his position as senator at Rome and from his vicarship in Tuscany.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

"Spot Runner moves in the direction of making things more relevant".This week Spot Runner announced a deal with JWT, a big American advertising agency.

The Economist

Cooper is one of the most famous urban designers in the world — he was a co-designer of Battery Park City, and he probably did as much as anyone to shift taste in the direction of doing things like restoring Greenwich Street.

The New Yorker

Science in general, and biology in particular, is increasingly moving in the direction of putting things together to understand them instead of taking them apart.

Huffington Post

Production designer Richard Bridgland was in charge of sets, props and vehicles, based on early concept art Anderson had created to give a broad direction of how things would look.

Wikipedia

Lesson: Give your body and mind a boost with your own power pellets (vitamins and supplements) and help reverse the direction of the things that have been running you down: a bad mood, fading memory, high blood pressure, exhaustion.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "direction of things" to describe the general trend or course of events, especially when indicating satisfaction or concern about ongoing developments.

Common error

Avoid using "direction of things" in contexts where a literal, physical direction is intended. Use directional terms like "path", "route", or "course" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "direction of things" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a preposition (e.g., 'in the direction of things') or as a subject complement. Ludwig AI indicates its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

17%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "direction of things" is a grammatically sound and usable English phrase that describes the general trend or course of events. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is most frequently found in News & Media and has a neutral register, making it suitable for various contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure it aligns with the intended meaning of a general trend rather than a literal, physical direction. Consider alternatives like "state of affairs" or "course of events" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

way things are going

An informal alternative that emphasizes the forward movement and future implications.

course of events

Highlights the sequence of occurrences, emphasizing the unfolding nature of situations.

how things are shaping up

Implies an ongoing process of development and formation.

state of affairs

Focuses on the current condition or situation rather than its trajectory.

prevailing trend

Emphasizes the dominant pattern or tendency observed over time.

general tendency

Focuses on an inclination or leaning in a particular direction.

shape of things to come

Highlights future developments and possibilities.

current climate

Focuses more on the prevailing atmosphere or conditions.

overall situation

Highlights the complete set of circumstances.

present circumstances

Focuses on the existing conditions and factors.

FAQs

What does "direction of things" mean?

The phrase "direction of things" refers to the general trend, course, or tendency of events, situations, or developments.

How can I use "direction of things" in a sentence?

You can use "direction of things" to express an opinion or observation about how events are unfolding. For example, "I'm pleased with the "direction of things" in the company since the new management took over."

What are some alternatives to "direction of things"?

Alternatives include "state of affairs", "course of events", or "prevailing trend", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "direction of things" formal or informal?

The phrase "direction of things" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it is more commonly found in news and media or general discussions.