in a direction

USAGE SUMMARY

"in a direction" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to discuss the path or movement of something. For example: "The ball rolled in a direction away from the goal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Thermal conductivity in a direction of orientation is higher than in a direction perpendicular orientations.

Journal of Molecular Structure

But that class put me in a direction.

The New York Times

Just plant my feet in a direction, and go".

The New York Times

The quotation points you in a direction, certainly.

The New York Times

You can only point them in a direction".

The Guardian

"It's an experience that often moves people in a direction they hadn't expected before.

Harvard University

"The former is akin to stressing wood in a direction perpendicular to its cell walls.

Princeton University

"I had to be convinced the show was going in a direction I was interested in.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

You're not developing the designs in a direction that feels believable or contemporary.

The New York Times

All that matters is that they send you in a direction, and you follow it.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

This paraphrase is pointed in a direction the direction of the writer's argument.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in a direction" to clearly indicate the path or orientation something is moving or facing. This helps readers visualize or understand the intended course or focus.

Common error

While "in a direction" is grammatically correct, ensure you provide sufficient context or specify the direction itself (e.g., "in a northerly direction") to avoid ambiguity. Vague usage can leave the reader unclear about the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a direction" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying verbs or nouns to indicate the course, orientation, or trajectory of an action or object. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

13%

Science

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in a direction" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate movement, orientation, or progression. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in diverse contexts, most notably in News & Media. While its usage is generally neutral, ensuring clarity by specifying the direction or providing sufficient context is crucial. Alternative phrases like "along a path" or "toward a goal" can be used depending on the intended nuance. This phrase effectively guides understanding of the course or inclination being described, making it a valuable tool in writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

along a path

Focuses on a literal or figurative route taken.

heading toward

Indicates imminent arrival or convergence.

following a trajectory

Emphasizes a predetermined path, often in a physical sense.

on a course

Suggests a planned or predetermined route.

progressing toward

Highlights the act of moving forward gradually.

toward a goal

Emphasizes purposefulness and intended outcome.

oriented towards

Implies a specific focus or bias.

moving along

Describes a continuous and often uneventful advancement.

in alignment with

Highlights agreement or correspondence with a standard or principle.

in accordance with

Implies compliance or conformity with guidelines.

FAQs

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

Use "in a direction" to indicate movement, orientation, or progression, such as, "The wind was blowing "in a direction" that favored the boat's sails".

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

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "along a path", "toward a goal", or "on a course".

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

While not always necessary, specifying the direction provides clarity and avoids ambiguity. For instance, "The company is moving "in a direction"" is less informative than "The company is moving "in a direction" towards sustainable practices".

How does "in a direction" differ from "towards"?

"In a direction" generally implies a broader sense of orientation or movement, while "towards" specifically indicates movement closer to something. For example, you might walk "in a direction" that leads you "towards" the store.