headed in a direction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "headed in a direction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of moving towards a specific place or goal, either literally or metaphorically. Example: "After much consideration, I realized I was headed in a direction that didn't align with my values."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

As "On-Air" demonstrates, it was headed in a direction far less obviously theatrical.

The New York Times - Arts

"If it takes a temple of consumerism to attract potential converts, I feel we are headed in a direction completely opposite to the direction the gospel encourages".

The New York Times

But what is clear is that the Giants (1-2) are headed in a direction similar to the dead-end path they traveled last season.

The New York Times - Sports

"I knew that the firm was now headed in a direction I fundamentally opposed and that nothing I would say would change that course".

The New York Times - Books

They did not rule out the possibility that Mr. Obama would become more forceful and public if it seemed like the effort was stalled or headed in a direction that immigration activists would not accept.

The New York Times

Fehr refused to speculate on whether the talks were headed in a direction to end the lockout, which has wiped out the October and November portions of the N.H.L. schedule as well as the Winter Classic.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

People feel that the EU is heading in a direction that they never signed up to.

The Guardian

"We could be heading in a direction of the 1% getting a tax break and I think people are very concerned about that," she said.

The Guardian

Implication: spoilt rich kid swans off while his family firm debates its future.And then causes trouble when the firm decides to head in a direction he dislikes.

The Economist

And if I wanted soldiers to head in a direction, I had to put enemies in the opposite direction".

Vice

And if I wanted soldiers to head in a direction, I had to put enemies in the opposite direction". Working for the Army presented other challenges.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "headed in a direction" to describe a general course of action or progress when the specific destination is less important than the overall trajectory.

Common error

Avoid using "headed in a direction" without providing sufficient context about the direction itself. Be specific about the intended outcome or path to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "headed in a direction" functions as a verbal phrase indicating movement or progression. It describes the act of moving towards a particular course or goal. Ludwig's examples show its usage in describing the trajectory of events, decisions, or even personal development.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "headed in a direction" is a versatile expression used to describe movement or progress toward a particular goal, whether tangible or abstract. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, including News & Media. While the phrase is neutral, it is important to specify the direction to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "moving toward a goal" or "progressing in a specific way" offer similar meanings with subtle differences in emphasis. Ultimately, mastering this phrase and its nuances will enhance writing precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moving toward a goal

This alternative focuses on the intended outcome or objective of the movement or progress.

progressing in a specific way

This option emphasizes the manner or method in which progress is being made.

advancing along a path

This alternative uses a metaphorical path to represent the course of action or development.

steering toward an outcome

This phrase suggests a deliberate effort to guide or direct something toward a particular result.

gravitating towards a state

This option indicates a natural tendency or attraction toward a particular condition or situation.

orienting in a direction

Changes the verb, focusing on establishing orientation rather than active movement.

evolving in some way

Uses the verb "evolving" to describe gradual development, rather than active heading.

inclining towards

Indicates a tendency or preference, rather than active physical movement.

tending toward

Similar to inclining, but suggests a weaker directional pull.

aiming for

Highlights the intention or target of the movement, not the movement itself.

FAQs

What does "headed in a direction" mean?

The phrase "headed in a direction" means moving or progressing toward a particular goal or outcome. It suggests a general course of action rather than a precise destination.

How can I use "headed in a direction" in a sentence?

You can use "headed in a direction" to describe the progress of a project, the course of someone's life, or the trajectory of an organization. For example, "The company is "headed in a direction" that prioritizes sustainability."

What are some alternatives to "headed in a direction"?

Some alternatives to "headed in a direction" include "moving toward a goal", "progressing in a specific way", or "advancing along a path".

Is it always necessary to specify the direction when using "headed in a direction"?

While specifying the direction provides clarity, it's not always necessary. The context may imply the direction, or the speaker may choose to leave it vague for strategic reasons.