in a certain direction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in a certain direction" is correct and usable in written English.
For example, you might use it in a sentence such as: "He set off walking in a certain direction, hoping to find the way home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We direct them in a certain direction so we all know where they're going.

The New York Times

There is strong evidence that migratory birds inherit an endogenous directional programme, steering inexperienced migrants in a certain direction for a certain period of time [1], [2].

Plosone

"That pushes him in a certain direction.

The New York Times - Style

You're already being framed in a certain direction".

The New York Times

Review: Brown's current outing is a vibe: ethereal grooves that flow in a certain direction.

Stanford University

"I noticed myself being moved, drifting in a certain direction," he said at the scene yesterday.

The New York Times

Now, unless I'm swinging poorly, I know I can miss in a certain direction.

The New York Times - Sports

If you're told not to go in a certain direction, you're more inclined to.

The Guardian - Film

When you look at that it would take it in a certain direction".

The Guardian

"I don't think our label would have pushed us in a certain direction," Bayley says.

The Guardian - Music

A lot of these discussions are moving in a certain direction.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in a certain direction" to indicate a general sense of movement or progress without specifying an exact destination. This is useful when the specific end point is unknown or less important than the act of moving forward.

Common error

Don't use "in a certain direction" as a filler phrase when a more precise directional indicator is available. If you know the specific direction, use it to provide clearer and more informative writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a certain direction" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to describe the manner or direction of an action. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

7%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in a certain direction" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that functions as an adverbial modifier. As Ludwig AI confirms, its purpose is to indicate a general sense of movement or progression without specifying an exact destination. It appears most often in news and media, scientific, and academic contexts. While versatile, writers should avoid overuse in situations that require a more precise directional term. Alternatives like "toward a specific route" or "along a particular trajectory" may offer greater clarity in certain contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a defined path

Substitutes 'certain direction' with 'defined path' suggesting a clear trajectory.

toward a specific route

Replaces 'direction' with 'route' emphasizing the path taken.

along a particular trajectory

Uses 'trajectory' to highlight a specific course or path.

steered in a fixed way

Focuses on the action of steering, implying control and guidance.

guided in a specific way

Focuses on the aspect of being guided, adding emphasis on the method.

channeled toward a given outcome

Highlights being directed with a focus on the intended result.

influenced towards a set path

Highlights the aspect of influence in determining the direction.

oriented toward a specific goal

Emphasizes the alignment with a goal rather than a physical direction.

inclined toward a decided course

Suggests a leaning or predisposition toward a set course of action.

progressing along a designated line

Uses 'progressing' to focus on forward movement on a specified course.

FAQs

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

You can use "in a certain direction" to indicate a general sense of movement. For example, "The project is moving "in a certain direction", but the final outcome is still uncertain."

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

Alternatives include phrases like "toward a specific route", "along a particular trajectory", or "in a defined path", depending on the context.

Is it ever better to use a more specific phrase instead of "in a certain direction"?

Yes, if the context allows for more precision, using a specific directional term (e.g., "northward", "eastward") can improve clarity compared to the vagueness of "in a certain direction".

How does "in a certain direction" differ from "in a specific direction"?

"In a specific direction" implies a known and defined path, while "in a certain direction" suggests a less defined or perhaps less consciously chosen path. The former indicates precision, the latter, generality.