Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
having directed that
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "having directed that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone has given an instruction or order in the past, often leading to a subsequent action or decision. Example: "Having directed that the report be submitted by Friday, the manager awaited the team's response."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Wiki
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
On 8 December 1906, having directed that year's festival, Cosima suffered an Adams-Stokes seizure (a form of heart attack) while visiting her friend Prince Hohenlohe at Langenburg.
Wiki
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
57 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.
News & Media
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.
News & Media
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.
News & Media
I have directed that the manual be reviewed and rewritten".
News & Media
"We have directed that they should stop public screening of the film," Ms. Akunyili said.
News & Media
The Defense Intelligence Agency DIAA) has directed that all Special Security Offices (SSOs) will install the JWICS".
News & Media
(Mr. Nunn has directed that one in London twice, including this past summer at the Menier Chocolate Factory).
News & Media
I have directed that this requirement be put in place as soon as possible.
News & Media
Nebraska is the first film you've directed that you didn't have a hand in writing.
News & Media
But it said that Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. had directed that a criminal investigation of Mr. Jawad continue.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "having directed that" when you want to emphasize that a previous instruction or order has a direct impact on a subsequent event or situation. It creates a sense of cause and effect in your writing.
Common error
Avoid using "having directed that" in casual or informal writing. The phrase is relatively formal and can sound stilted in everyday conversation or less formal documents. Consider alternatives like "after instructing" or "once it was ordered" for more relaxed tones.
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
Having directed that functions as a participial phrase, modifying a clause by indicating a prior action that influences the main clause's event. It establishes a clear sequence, where the direction precedes and affects the subsequent occurrence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct.
Frequent in
News & Media
50%
Wiki
50%
Science
0%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "having directed that" is a grammatically correct participial phrase best suited for formal contexts, primarily in news and wiki articles. It effectively communicates a sequence of events, emphasizing the impact of a prior instruction. While confirmed by Ludwig AI as valid, its infrequent use suggests considering alternative phrases like "having instructed that" or "after directing that" for broader applicability. Avoid overuse in informal writing to maintain a natural tone.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
having instructed that
Replaces "directed" with "instructed", implying a more formal or specific instruction.
having ordered that
Substitutes "directed" with "ordered", suggesting a command or authoritative instruction.
after directing that
Uses "after" to specify the timing of the direction in relation to a subsequent action.
having stipulated that
Replaces "directed" with "stipulated", indicating a condition or requirement that has been specified.
upon directing that
Uses "upon" to emphasize the immediate effect of the direction.
having mandated that
Substitutes "directed" with "mandated", implying a legal or official requirement.
having decreed that
Replaces "directed" with "decreed", suggesting an official order or proclamation.
having arranged for that
Uses a different verb and structure to indicate planning or preparation for a specific outcome.
having seen to it that
Implies ensuring that something happens or is done, rather than directly instructing.
having made certain that
Focuses on ensuring the outcome rather than the initial directive.
FAQs
How can I use "having directed that" in a sentence?
You can use "having directed that" to show a cause-and-effect relationship between an instruction and a subsequent action. For example: "Having directed that the funds be allocated immediately, the project commenced without delay."
What are some alternatives to "having directed that"?
Alternatives include "having instructed that", "having ordered that", or "after directing that" depending on the context.
Is "having directed that" too formal for everyday writing?
Yes, "having directed that" can be quite formal. In less formal contexts, consider alternatives like "after instructing" or "once it was ordered".
What is the difference between "having directed that" and "having instructed that"?
While similar, "having instructed that" often implies a specific set of guidelines, while "having directed that" can suggest a more general order or command.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested