guide in the right direction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "guide in the right direction" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to give someone advice or suggest a path to pursue. For example: "I'm not sure what to do in this situation. Can you guide me in the right direction?".

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Although, the window cannot always be determined, knowledge about the incubation period in combination with first appearance of symptoms can guide in the right direction.

BMC Veterinary Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

But I realised as soon as I met him that he had something special about him, and all he needed was to be guided in the right direction.

The Guardian - Sport

Remarkably, they have found that embryonic stem cells can organise themselves into highly complex three-dimensional structures when guided in the right direction.

The Guardian

I'm talking about safety & guidance, that way we are guided in the right direction.Being in a committed relationship may have been the biggest challenge I overcame in my life thus far.

Huffington Post

I'm sure it will guide you in the right direction".

The New Yorker

We have got to have someone to guide them in the right direction.

The Guardian

Maggie Steber's portrait of her mother helped to guide me in the right direction.

The New York Times

The frequently asked questions and answers below will guide you in the right direction.

Columbia University

I had very good mentors that kind of helped guide me in the right direction.

Cornell University

Fortunately, there are many useful resources beyond the Hippocratic Oath to help guide them in the right direction.

Harvard University

"It's up to the coaches to guide us in the right direction but predominantly it's up to the players to put that into action," Foden stressed.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "guide in the right direction" when you want to convey providing helpful advice or direction to someone or something. Ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is being guided.

Common error

Avoid using "guide in the right direction" when the situation requires more than just guidance; for example, when direct intervention or problem-solving is needed. Guidance is about suggesting a path, not necessarily solving the problem outright.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "guide in the right direction" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to indicate the action of providing assistance, advice, or direction to someone or something. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "guide in the right direction" is a versatile and frequently used expression that signifies providing assistance or direction to someone or something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability across various contexts. As the examples show, it appears often in news articles, academic papers, and even informal conversations. While its register is generally neutral, it maintains a professional tone suitable for conveying mentorship or support. Related phrases include "orient in the right direction" and "steer in the right direction", offering similar but nuanced ways to express direction. When using this phrase, consider the scope of guidance needed to ensure it aligns with the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

guided in the right direction

Focuses on the recipient of the guidance.

orient in the right direction

Focuses on setting the correct course or alignment.

steer in the right direction

Emphasizes active control and navigation.

roadmap in the right direction

Suggests providing a detailed plan or strategy.

steering in the right direction

Highlights the act of guiding or influencing the course of something.

guide in correct

A shorter, less common variation focusing on accuracy.

lead toward success

Implies guiding someone to a favorable outcome.

mentor effectively

Highlights the mentoring aspect of guiding.

advise appropriately

Focuses on providing suitable recommendations.

point toward a solution

Emphasizes suggesting a resolution.

FAQs

How can I use "guide in the right direction" in a sentence?

You can use "guide in the right direction" when offering advice or suggesting a course of action. For example, "I need someone to guide me in the right direction regarding my career choices."

What's a formal alternative to "guide in the right direction"?

A more formal alternative could be "orient in the right direction" or "steer in the right direction". These options are suitable for professional or academic contexts.

Is there a difference between "guided in the right direction" and "guide in the right direction"?

"Guide in the right direction" implies the act of giving guidance, while "guided in the right direction" indicates that someone has received that guidance. The first focuses on the giver, the second on the receiver.

When is it appropriate to use "guide in the right direction"?

It's appropriate to use "guide in the right direction" when you are offering assistance or direction to help someone achieve a goal or make a decision. It suggests providing advice or support to ensure they are on the correct path.