in that direction

USAGE SUMMARY

"in that direction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the direction or location of something or someone. For example, "I heard the dog barking in that direction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We're inching in that direction".

The New York Times

It just nudges them in that direction.

The New Yorker

The parties have moved in that direction.

The New York Times

Yongsu twitched his head in that direction.

The New Yorker

What pulled you in that direction?

The New York Times

In that direction — south — lay China.

The New Yorker

I could bring pressure in that direction.

Independent

But he barely glances in that direction.

The New York Times - Books

Demographics are pushing Israel in that direction.

The New York Times

"The blog turned in that direction".

The New York Times

We've pushed it in that direction.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in that direction" to clearly indicate physical movement, abstract progression, or alignment with a specific idea or goal.

Common error

Avoid using "in that direction" when a more specific term like "towards that goal" or "in that mindset" would provide greater clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in that direction" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun by indicating a specific spatial orientation, movement, or tendency. As noted by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in that direction" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to indicate a specific spatial orientation, movement, or tendency. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across various contexts, including news, academia, and general conversation. While versatile, it is important to choose more specific terms when greater clarity is needed. Alternatives like "toward that way", "in that general area", and "that way" offer subtle variations in meaning. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, writers can effectively utilize "in that direction" to enhance clarity and precision in their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

toward that way

This alternative uses "way" instead of "direction", focusing more on the path taken.

that way

A shorter, more direct way of indicating the direction.

in that general area

This phrase broadens the scope to an area, rather than a specific path.

in that vicinity

This alternative emphasizes proximity to a place or object.

along that line

This phrase suggests a path or progression that follows a certain trend or idea.

with that orientation

Highlights the positional or directional aspect.

in that quarter

This alternative uses "quarter" to suggest a more specific region or sector.

in that bearing

Emphasizes a navigational or spatial relationship.

in alignment with that

Focuses on being in agreement or correspondence with a certain standard or principle.

in accordance with that route

This phrase implies following a specific planned path or course.

FAQs

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

You can use "in that direction" to indicate movement or orientation, such as "The shop is located "in that direction"" or "Our efforts are moving "in that direction" to reduce carbon footprint."

What are some alternatives to "in that direction"?

Alternatives include "toward that way", "in that general area", or simply "that way", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "in that directions" instead of "in that direction"?

No, the correct phrase is "in that direction". The noun "direction" should be singular because it refers to a singular, specified path or course.

When should I use "in that direction" versus "towards that"?

"In that direction" typically refers to a spatial orientation or trajectory. "Towards that" is more versatile and can refer to abstract goals or ideas. For example, you might say "walk "in that direction"" but "work "towards that goal"".