he directed that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he directed that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone has given an order or instruction regarding a specific action or decision. Example: "He directed that the meeting be rescheduled to next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

He directed that show's first episode as well.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He directed that beautiful 'Uncle Vanya,' too, that became the movie".

The New York Times

He directed that.

The New York Times

He directed that an inquiry commence as soon as possible.

The Washington Post

He directed that only two congressional districts be redrawn.

The New Yorker

He directed that Dr. McBurney superintend its design and operation.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Can he direct that header on goal?

The Guardian - Sport

He directs That Face, at the Sheffield Crucible (0114-249 6000) until Saturday.

The Guardian

And he directs that King Ubu is to wear a cardboard horse's head "as in the old English theatre".

The Guardian

"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

Golub added, however, that he directs that resentment elsewhere -- at limited thinking in the art world, for instance -- and not at his wife.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When reporting past directives, maintain a consistent tense throughout the sentence for clarity. For instance, "He directed that all employees attend the training session."

Common error

Avoid unnecessarily using the passive voice when you can express the same idea more directly. Instead of "It was directed that..." prefer "He directed that...".

Linguistic Context

He directed that functions as a reporting verb phrase, indicating that someone issued a command or instruction. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Examples show its use in formal contexts, such as legal documents and official statements, indicating a clear directive.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he directed that" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate that someone issued an order or instruction. As verified by Ludwig AI, it is prevalent in news, encyclopedias, and academic contexts, reflecting a neutral register. While synonyms like "he instructed that" and ""he ordered that"" exist, "he directed that" often implies a formal directive. When writing, it's best to maintain a consistent tense and avoid overusing the passive voice for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he instructed that

Emphasizes a teaching or guiding aspect to the direction, adding a layer of mentorship.

he ordered that

Implies a formal command, often associated with hierarchical structures and authoritative power.

he commanded that

Suggests a strong, authoritative directive, often used in military or high-stakes contexts.

he stipulated that

Indicates that a specific condition or requirement was made as part of an agreement.

he decreed that

Suggests a formal and official pronouncement, often used in legal or historical contexts.

he requested that

Softer approach to giving directions, implies politeness instead of demand.

he advised that

Implies guidance or recommendation rather than a strict order.

he arranged that

Focuses on the preparatory actions taken to ensure something happens.

he saw to it that

Emphasizes personal involvement and responsibility in ensuring the action is carried out.

he ensured that

Highlights the act of making certain something would occur, focusing on the guarantee.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "he directed that" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "he stipulated that" or "he decreed that". These options add a sense of authority and officialdom.

What's a less authoritative alternative to "he directed that"?

If you're looking for a less forceful phrase, try "he requested that" or "he suggested that". These options imply a softer, more collaborative approach.

Is it grammatically correct to use "he directed that"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct. The phrase is widely used in formal and informal contexts to indicate that someone has given an order or instruction. According to Ludwig AI, this is correct and usable in written English.

What's the difference between "he directed that" and "he instructed that"?

While both phrases convey the idea of giving instructions, "he directed that" implies a higher level of authority or control, while "he instructed that" suggests teaching or guiding. You may also want to consider using "he ordered that" to make the phrase more forceful.