guiding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "guiding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of directing or leading someone or something in a particular direction or towards a specific goal. Example: "The teacher is guiding her students through the complex material to ensure they understand the concepts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is easy to see now why Norwich were so keen to headhunt the man who regularly scalped Scotland's top sides after guiding Hamilton to the top-flight last season.

The Guardian - Sport

The guiding principle to the division process was two-thirds to the Czech Republic, one third to Slovakia, based on the proportion of territory to population.

The Guardian

Villani gets off the mark by guiding an inswinger away behind square leg for one.

The Guardian - Sport

Gonzalo Higuaín was the star performer for Napoli, his first European hat-trick guiding the Italian side to a 3-1 victoverover Dynamo Moscow.

The Guardian - Sport

With polls suggesting that a guiding premise of Obama's foreign policy – "Don't do stupid shit" – fell out of favour with the American public almost two years ago, the questions 19 months from Election Day start at Foggy Bottom and spread across the globe: how far might candidate Clinton go to distance herself from secretary Clinton?

The Guardian

But in our case, they're for guiding the thought process.

The New York Times

Once you've mastered the basics, you can play around with the recipe to your heart's content (and it ought to be content: many versions are very low in fat) – but the guiding principle should always be to cram as many contrasts of flavour and texture into each bite as possible, while retaining the roll's elegant appearance (ie don't get too Man v Food about it).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We are blinded by flurries of paper and at times forget the guiding principles of the mission of higher education.

The Guardian

Whatever hand, human or randomly digital, is guiding the programming over at Netflix, they are to be commended on consistently turning up the most pleasingly unexpected documentaries.

The Guardian - Film

College costs, and the inevitable student loans, are helping to stunt "the normal saving, investment and consumption habits that ultimately serve as the guiding force of economic growth in the U.S".

The Guardian - Money

The football world may still be reeling from the fall of its chief, its head, its guiding light in the dark night, as we all contemplate what life will be like without Sepp Blatter's steady hand at our tiller, but some things are constant.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "guiding", consider the specific nuance you want to convey. Is it about leading, directing, advising, or something else? Choose the word that best fits the context for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "guiding" as a catch-all term for any kind of influence or direction. Sometimes more specific verbs like "leading", "directing", or "mentoring" offer a more precise and impactful description.

Linguistic Context

The term "guiding" primarily functions as a verb in its present participle form, often used adjectivally to describe something that provides direction or influence. Ludwig examples show it modifying nouns like 'principle', 'light', and 'hand'. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Formal & Business

22%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "guiding" functions primarily as a verb, indicating direction, influence, or control, as shown by Ludwig examples. It's grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, with a neutral to professional register. Given its versatile nature, understanding its subtle nuances is essential for impactful writing. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, "guiding" is a versatile and reliable term in the English language, applicable in numerous professional and informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

leading

Replaces "guiding" with a focus on being at the front or in charge.

directing

Suggests a more active role in controlling the course or actions of something.

steering

Implies controlling the direction of something, often with a physical element.

mentoring

Focuses on providing advice and support, often in a professional context.

advising

Highlights the act of offering counsel or recommendations.

shepherding

Suggests a protective and nurturing form of guidance.

supervising

Implies overseeing and directing a process or activity.

influencing

Emphasizes the power to affect someone's decisions or actions.

piloting

Suggests taking control and navigating a course, often in a challenging situation.

channeling

Implies directing something into a specific path or direction.

FAQs

How can I use "guiding" in a sentence?

You can use "guiding" to describe the act of leading someone or something, such as "The teacher is "guiding" her students through the lesson" or "The principles "guiding" our decisions are...".

What are some alternatives to the word "guiding"?

Alternatives to "guiding" include "leading", "directing", "steering", or "mentoring", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "guiding" and "leading"?

"Guiding" implies showing the way or advising, while "leading" suggests taking charge and directing others. "Guiding" can be more subtle and supportive, whereas "leading" is often more assertive.

Is it correct to say "guiding principles"?

Yes, "guiding principles" is a commonly used and accepted phrase. It refers to the fundamental beliefs or rules that influence decisions and actions.