director

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "director" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone who is in charge of a company, institution, or organization (e.g. school, theater, etc.) or someone who is the head of a particular department. For example: "The director of marketing is responsible for developing new strategies for increasing company sales."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Leigh Daynes, executive director of Doctors of the World UK, said: "The failure to ensure equitable access to healthcare across Europe is this century's hidden public health time bomb.

The Guardian

Nasdaq's rules state broadly that independent directors cannot have a relationship that "would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director".

The New York Times

Indeed, you did extraordinary work on a host of critical missions during my time as director, and I am deeply grateful to you for that.

The Guardian

The Ocean's Eleven director eventually sold his project to pay TV network HBO in the US, making it ineligible for film's most high-profile awards ceremony.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Margaret Chan is director general of the World Health Organization.

The New York Times

She was a senior account director for the corporate real estate brokerage Cushman & Wakefield in Manhattan.

The Guardian

"Reforming severance pay arrangements and addressing these problems of the past have been a priority for me from day one as director general," Hall said.

The Guardian

In a letter handed out by activists to managers at each Shell station, John Sauven, executive director of Greenpeace UK, wrote: "28 activists and two journalists remain in detention after the seizure of our ship Arctic Sunrise by armed Russian Federal Security Bureau agents.

The Guardian

MARIA CAULFIELD, 40 TORY, LEWES A nurse at the Royal Marsden hospital in London, where she is a research sister leading a team in breast cancer research, Caulfield is also an owner and shareholder of Lewes football club and a non-executive director of the local housing charity BHT Sussex, which works to prevent homelessness.

The Guardian

"No single market should drive the growth and composition of a country's incoming postgraduate body," said Zainab Malik, director of research for British Council education intelligence.

The Guardian

Email: [email protected] Ian McClelland managing director Ian's previous position was advising FremantleMedia Australia's regional CEOs with their digital strategy and business development.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "director", be specific about the area they oversee (e.g., "director of marketing" vs. just "director") to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

The term "director" has broader applications than just in film. Always clarify the context to avoid confusion (e.g., "executive director" for a non-profit).

Linguistic Context

The noun "director" primarily functions as a title or designation for an individual holding a position of authority or leadership within an organization or project. This is evident from Ludwig's examples showcasing various types of directors, such as "executive director" or "film director".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "director" is a common noun used to denote a person in a position of authority, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. As shown by Ludwig, it appears frequently in "News & Media" and "Formal & Business" contexts. To ensure clarity, specify the area overseen by the "director". While grammatically correct and widely accepted, as Ludwig states, the term's broad usage necessitates context to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases include "film director", "managing director", and "executive director". Remember that "director" is not limited to film contexts and is applicable across various professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

film director

Specifies the type of "director" in the context of filmmaking.

managing director

Indicates a "director" with managerial responsibilities.

executive director

Refers to a "director" with executive duties, often in non-profit organizations.

board member

Describes someone who serves on a board of "directors".

head of department

Denotes a person in charge of a specific department, similar to a "director".

chief executive officer

A high-level executive, sometimes synonymous with "director" in certain contexts.

project lead

Someone who directs a project.

supervisor

A person who directs the work of others.

coordinator

Someone who directs and organizes activities.

controller

Someone who directs or regulates.

FAQs

How can I use "director" in a sentence?

You can use "director" to refer to someone in charge of an organization, project, or film. For example: "The "film director" is responsible for the creative vision of the movie."

What are some alternative titles for a "director" in a company?

Depending on the role, alternatives include "managing director", "executive director", "head of department", or "chief executive officer".

Is it appropriate to use "director" in formal writing?

Yes, "director" is a standard and accepted term in formal and business contexts. Just ensure the specific type of "director" is clear.

What is the difference between a "director" and a manager?

While both roles involve leadership, a "director" often oversees a broader area or strategy, whereas a manager typically focuses on day-to-day operations and team management. It depends on the company and its structure.