directions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "directions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to instructions or guidance on how to reach a destination or complete a task. Example: "Please follow the directions provided to reach the conference room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Tech

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nobel, a wealthy Swedish industrialist who invented dynamite, provided few directions for how to select winners, except that the prize committees should reward those who "have conferred the greatest benefit to mankind".

The Guardian

But he made it clear that the corporation responded to directions given to it by the government, its only shareholder.

The Guardian

The case is expected to resume again on Friday of next week for directions and is likely to culminate in a hearing before the full bench of the high court.

The Guardian

Some of the entries make sense: Radio 1's George Ergatoudis is authentically influential, choosing what gets played on Radio 1 and 1Xtra; Damon Albarn is a relentless forager for new musical directions.

The Guardian - Music

Drivers can use Siri to plot routes and get directions via voice.

The Guardian - Tech

Thoronka said there were no flights to Sierra Leone immediately after the Games and his team-mates scattered in different directions, staying with family and friends until they could return home.

The Guardian

What directions do you think you want to take?

The Guardian

"Our public resources are not flowing in the directions where they are most needed, for example, to provide safe water and sanitation, quality healthcare and decent child and elderly care services.

The Guardian

In recent years, an ideological drift has torn at the UK from different directions.

The Guardian

The commissioner will be examining directions on a non-statutory basis for the time being.

The Guardian

Driving his car through the busy streets of Argentina's capital, he seems slightly lost, far away from the quiet night skies and open horizons of his home, asking for directions, on his way to a rehearsal for a television show he will be performing on.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use a combination of written and visual aids, like maps or diagrams, to supplement the directions and make them easier to follow.

Common error

Avoid vague language like "turn right soon" or "go straight for a while." Instead, provide precise instructions such as "turn right at the next traffic light" or "go straight for two miles."

Linguistic Context

The noun "directions" primarily functions as plural noun, referring to a set of instructions or guidance for navigating a route or completing a task. Ludwig shows that it is commonly used in providing clarity on how to reach a specific destination or goal.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Tech

16%

Travel

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the noun "directions" is a very common term used to provide instructions or guidance, particularly for navigation or task completion. As Ludwig confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted in both formal and informal contexts. While alternatives such as "instructions" or "guidance" may be suitable depending on the specific context, "directions" remains a versatile and frequently used term, especially within the news, tech and travel industries. Be sure to give specific instructions for optimal usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

instructions

Focuses more on the specific steps to be followed.

guidance

Implies more general advice or recommendations, not necessarily step-by-step.

orientations

Refers to understanding position relative to surroundings or viewpoints.

navigation

Specifically relates to the process of finding a way to a destination.

route

Emphasizes the path or course taken to reach a destination.

road map

Implies a detailed plan to achieve a specific goal.

course

Indicates a series of actions or steps to be followed.

prescription

Suggestions or advice that is considered essential.

bearing

Refers to the direction or position of something, especially in navigation.

path

A way or track laid down for walking or made by continual treading.

FAQs

How can I use "directions" in a sentence?

You can use "directions" to refer to instructions on how to reach a place, such as, "I had to ask for "directions" when I got lost" or "Please follow these "directions" carefully."

What's a more formal alternative to "directions"?

In a more formal context, you could use "guidance", "instructions", or "procedures" depending on the specific situation.

Is it correct to say "direction" instead of "directions"?

While "direction" refers to a single course or way to go, ""directions"" typically refers to a set of instructions or multiple routes. The choice depends on whether you are referring to a single path or a series of steps.

What is the difference between "directions" and "orientations"?

"Directions" refers to a set of instructions on how to reach a place. "Orientations", however, usually refers to the process of learning your surroundings or a new perspective on a situation.