has directed that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has directed that" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in formal contexts to indicate that someone has given an order or instruction regarding a specific action or decision. Example: "The committee has directed that all members submit their reports by the end of the month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

"Zoo" is only the second of the seven feature films he has directed that didn't originate solely from his own pen.

The New York Times

I'm a scientist, man!" Tom McFadden is the young scientist turned teacher behind the historical rap battle, one of dozens he has directed that have earned national interest in a country, like Britain, where student engagement in science is falling.

Independent

But I think it should be done in a thoughtful and deliberative matter that should include the conduct of the review that Secretary Gates has directed that would consider the views in the force on the change of policy.

Huffington Post

My intent was to reassure my employees we are going through a process and that council has directed that process". Sibley also said that employees in Orange were affected by the suicide in Costa Mesa.

Los Angeles Times

(Mr. Nunn has directed that one in London twice, including this past summer at the Menier Chocolate Factory).

The New York Times - Arts

Several officials insisted on anonymity because the administration has directed that no one publicly discuss the deliberations.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Targeted people might also have directed that same disinformation — whether intentionally or not — to people linked to them on social networks, such as their friends on Facebook.

The Washington Post

I have directed that the manual be reviewed and rewritten".

The New York Times

Moreover, he had directed that the transports cease from now on.

Yale University

It wasn't very comforting that he had directed that these dogs be muzzled.

The New York Times

"We have directed that they should stop public screening of the film," Ms. Akunyili said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has directed that" to convey a formal and authoritative instruction, particularly in professional, academic, or news-related writing.

Common error

Avoid using "has directed that" without clearly identifying the source of the directive. Vague attribution can undermine the authority and clarity of the instruction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has directed that" functions as a reporting verb construction. It introduces a subordinate clause that expresses a command, instruction, or order given by someone in authority. As supported by Ludwig, this construction clearly indicates who is issuing the directive and what action should be taken.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Academia

32%

Science

21%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "has directed that" is a phrase used to convey formal instructions or orders, predominantly found in news, academic, and scientific contexts. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and its function as a reporting verb construction. The frequency analysis reveals that while common, it maintains a level of formality unsuited for casual conversation. When using this phrase, clarity in attributing the directive is crucial, and alternatives like "has instructed that" or "has ordered that" can be considered to fine-tune the intended nuance. In conclusion, use "has directed that" when precision and formality are required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has instructed that

Synonymous; changes 'directed' to 'instructed', implying a more instructional tone.

has ordered that

Replaces 'directed' with 'ordered', suggesting a more authoritative command.

has mandated that

Substitutes 'directed' with 'mandated', emphasizing a formal requirement or legal obligation.

has stipulated that

Uses 'stipulated' instead of 'directed', highlighting a specific condition or requirement.

has decreed that

Replaces 'directed' with 'decreed', suggesting a formal and authoritative pronouncement.

has determined that

Changes 'directed' to 'determined', indicating a decision or conclusion that something should happen.

has ruled that

Substitutes 'directed' with 'ruled', suggesting a formal judgment or decision.

has specified that

Replaces 'directed' with 'specified', emphasizing the detailed instructions provided.

has ensured that

Changes 'directed' to 'ensured', highlighting the action taken to guarantee a specific outcome.

it has been directed that

Adds a passive voice construction; emphasizes the action rather than the actor.

FAQs

How is "has directed that" used in formal writing?

In formal writing, "has directed that" indicates an official instruction or order, often from a person in authority. For example, "The CEO "has directed that" all departments reduce their budgets."

What are some alternatives to "has directed that"?

Alternatives include "has instructed that", "has ordered that", or "has mandated that". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey about the instruction.

Is "has directed that" the same as "directed to"?

No, "has directed that" introduces a clause stating an order or instruction. "Directed to" implies guidance or orientation toward a specific target or goal. For instance, "The funds were directed to the project."

Can I use "has directed that" in informal conversation?

While grammatically correct, "has directed that" is typically too formal for casual conversation. Simpler phrases like "told them to" or "asked that" are more appropriate in informal settings.