headed in this direction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "headed in this direction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a course of action or a trend that is being followed or anticipated. Example: "The company is headed in this direction to improve its market position and attract more customers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Democrats are headed in this direction too.

The New York Times

Some states have already headed in this direction.

The Economist

Some officials see Broadway headed in this direction.

The New York Times

Mr. Long said: "Azimuth designs will continue to be headed in this direction.

The New York Times

From this ridge line five days ago, the company watched two Cobra helicopters and Navy F-14's attack a convoy of 15 Soviet-era military vehicles headed in this direction, but still 12 to 20 miles away.

The New York Times

If we seem headed in this direction, it is up to us to take some cause in our hands and by our commitment perhaps prevent this time from coming to pass.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Matters had been heading in this direction.

The New York Times

EBay has been heading in this direction as well.

Harvard Business Review

Mr. Leavitt should be heading in this direction.

The New York Times

Stanford has been heading in this direction for a while.

The New Yorker

Mellencamp has been heading in this direction for a while.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, ensure that the direction is clearly defined. Avoid ambiguity by specifying what outcome or goal is being approached.

Common error

Avoid using "headed in this direction" when there is no clear indication of a specific direction or goal. Vague usage can confuse the reader and dilute the impact of your statement. Instead, provide context or specific details about the direction being pursued.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "headed in this direction" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb, indicating the direction or trajectory of an action or trend. It clarifies where something is moving or progressing. As confirmed by Ludwig, this expression is correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

TechCrunch

17%

Huffington Post

8%

Less common in

Science

4%

Academia

4%

The Guardian

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "headed in this direction" is a grammatically sound and commonly used prepositional phrase that signifies movement or progression toward a specified outcome. It is versatile enough for use in news, business, and general writing, although clarity is paramount to avoid vagueness. The phrase functions to clearly express the trajectory of events or strategies, as supported by Ludwig. The analysis from Ludwig confirms that the expression is well-regarded and useful across diverse contexts, making it a valuable addition to one's writing toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moving in this direction

Replaces "headed" with "moving", emphasizing the act of progression.

progressing in this direction

Substitutes "headed" with "progressing", highlighting advancement.

inclining in this direction

Uses "inclining" instead of "headed", suggesting a tendency or leaning.

trending in this direction

Replaces "headed" with "trending", indicating a popular or current movement.

geared toward this direction

Uses "geared toward", implying preparation or suitability for a specific outcome.

oriented in this direction

Substitutes "headed" with "oriented", suggesting alignment or focus.

developing in this direction

Uses "developing" to imply a gradual evolution toward a particular state.

advancing in this direction

Replaces "headed" with "advancing", highlighting forward movement.

gravitating toward this direction

Suggests a natural pull or attraction toward a specific outcome.

drifting in this direction

Implies a gradual and often unintentional movement.

FAQs

What does "headed in this direction" mean?

The phrase "headed in this direction" means moving, progressing, or trending towards a particular outcome, goal, or state. It implies a course of action or a tendency to develop in a specific way.

What can I say instead of "headed in this direction"?

You can use alternatives like "moving in this direction", "progressing in this direction", or "trending in this direction" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "headed in this direction" in formal writing?

Yes, "headed in this direction" is suitable for formal writing, as evidenced by its usage in news articles, business reports, and academic papers. However, ensure that your writing maintains a professional tone overall.

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

You can use it to describe the trajectory of a project, a company's strategy, or a general trend. For example, "The project is "headed in this direction" to meet the increasing demand for sustainable energy solutions."