directions are given

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "directions are given" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that instructions or guidance have been provided to someone. Example: "In this manual, clear directions are given to ensure that users can operate the equipment safely."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Instead, directions are given from nearby landmarks.

The New York Times - Travel

Under radar surveillance the final directions are given for landing.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"We make extensive recommendations that the intelligence and law enforcement agencies must implement to clarify and bring consistency to their procedures, to remedy the lack of record-keeping requirements and to ensure that we can oversee properly how section 94 directions are given and used".

The Guardian

Conclusions and future research directions are given.

Computers & Operations Research

Some discussions for future research directions are given.

Progress in Nuclear Energy

Finally, conclusions and future research directions are given in Sect.

International Journal of Energy and Environmental Engineering

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Pushing was categorised as directed if pushing was directed for all or some of the time or undirected if no directions were given.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Pushing instructions were categorised as directed if pushing was directed for all or some of the time, or undirected if no directions were given.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

No directions were given him as to whether he should drive on the right or the left.

The Guardian

At Giants Stadium, a quarterback could mess up an important play because he didn't hear directions being given to him by his coach through a wireless mike.

The New York Times

Specific TCAD requirements are discussed from an engineer's perspective and an outlook on future research directions is given.

Microelectronics Reliability

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "directions are given", ensure the context clearly indicates who is giving the directions and to whom they are being given. This avoids ambiguity and ensures clear communication.

Common error

Avoid using "directions are given" without specifying who provides the directions. Overuse of passive voice can make your writing vague. Instead of "directions are given", consider "the instructor gave directions" for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "directions are given" functions as a passive construction, indicating that instructions or guidance are being provided. As Ludwig AI shows, it is frequently used in contexts where the source or provider of the directions is less important than the fact that directions are being imparted.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "directions are given" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate that instructions or guidance are being provided. Ludwig AI analysis shows that its most frequent use is in scientific contexts, followed by news and media. While versatile, being mindful of context and avoiding passive voice ambiguity will ensure clear and effective communication. Consider active alternatives such as "someone gives directions" for enhanced clarity. The phrase's register ranges from neutral to formal, making it suitable for diverse writing purposes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

instructions are provided

Focuses on the act of providing instructions, changing the verb from 'given' to 'provided'.

guidance is offered

Replaces 'directions' with 'guidance' and 'given' with 'offered', softening the tone.

instructions are issued

Implies a more formal or official context where instructions are being distributed.

guidelines are presented

Emphasizes the presentation of guidelines, rather than specific directions.

explanations are furnished

Focuses on the act of providing explanations, which can serve as directions.

prescriptions are made

Indicates a set of rules is established.

specifications are outlined

Highlights the detailing of specific requirements or specifications.

recommendations are suggested

Shifts the focus to suggestions or recommendations, rather than direct instructions.

roadmaps are chartered

Replaces directions with roadmaps, a more graphical and strategic term, focuses on guidance.

courses are plotted

Implies a strategic course of action is planned and laid out.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "directions are given" to sound more active?

To make the sentence more active, you can specify who is giving the directions. For example, you could say "the guide "gave directions"" or "the manual "provides instructions"".

What is the difference between "directions are given" and "instructions are given"?

While similar, "directions are given" often refers to guidance on a specific path or method, while "instructions are given" can encompass a broader range of guidance. In many contexts, the phrases are interchangeable, but "instructions" might imply more detailed steps.

Is it better to use the active or passive voice when saying "directions are given"?

Using the active voice is generally clearer and more direct. Instead of the passive "directions are given", consider the active form: "someone "gives directions"". This clarifies who is performing the action.

What are some alternatives to "directions are given" in a formal setting?

In formal settings, consider alternatives such as "guidelines are provided", "instructions are issued", or "recommendations are suggested". These phrases maintain a professional and authoritative tone.