it is directed

USAGE SUMMARY

"it is directed" is a valid and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, but typically it is used to indicate that something or someone is being guided or instructed in a certain direction. Here are some examples: - "The letter is addressed to the CEO, but it is directed to the entire company." - "The movie is directed by a well-known director." - "The teacher's instructions were clear and the students followed them exactly as they were directed." - "The flow of traffic is directed by traffic lights and signs." - "The detective was able to solve the case by following the evidence, which was directed towards the suspect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Sophistical syllogistic is another special case, because it is directed towards deception and prefers to use falsehood as its material.

SEP

(It is directed by Felix Barrett and Ms. Doyle).

The New York Times - Arts

If it is directed inwardly you will find nothing.

The New York Times

It is directed by Lynne Meadow, the club's artistic director.

The New York Times

It is directed with silky efficiency by Jerry Zaks.

The New York Times

"It is directed towards the Middle East Arabs.

The New York Times

It is directed by Bullhead's Michaël R Roskam.

The Guardian - Film

Some of it is directed or abetted by states who are in contests for power there.

The New Yorker

His supporters appear to oppose incivility unless it is directed at people they don't like.

The New York Times

And most of it is directed toward Mercedes and American cars".

The New York Times

To begin with it is directed at Mr Yanukovych, with his clumsy duplicity and flagrant corruption.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is directed", ensure clarity regarding the subject receiving the direction and the agent providing it. For example, "The criticism is directed at the company's leadership."

Common error

Avoid overuse of the passive voice when using "it is directed". Actively identifying who or what is doing the directing enhances clarity and engagement. For instance, instead of "The research is directed by the institute", write "The institute directs the research".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is directed" primarily functions as a passive construction, indicating that something receives guidance, control, or orientation from an external source. Ludwig confirms this common usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is directed" is a versatile and frequently used passive construction signifying guidance or orientation toward a specific target. As Ludwig points out, it appears across diverse contexts, from news reports to scientific papers. The phrase is grammatically sound, with its usage spanning a neutral to formal register. The best practice is to use the phrase actively in order to enhance the clarity, avoiding a mere passive construction. Common alternatives include "it is aimed", "it is focused", and "it is geared toward", each subtly altering the nuance. Overall, understanding the context is key to effectively employing "it is directed" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is aimed

Focuses on the intention or target of the action, rather than the act of directing itself. Emphasizes purpose.

it is focused

Indicates a concentration of effort or attention on a particular subject. Emphasizes concentration.

it is intended

Emphasizes the planned or desired outcome or recipient. Focuses on intention.

it is geared toward

Suggests a design or adaptation specifically for a particular purpose or audience. Highlights suitability.

it is oriented

Highlights the positioning or alignment toward a specific direction or goal. Emphasizes alignment.

it is addressed

Focuses on targeting a specific recipient or problem. Emphasizes the recipient.

it is channeled

Implies a focused or controlled flow of something, like energy or resources. Conveys efficiency.

it is guided

Emphasizes the aspect of being led or supervised, often implying a lack of autonomy. Emphasizes guidance.

it is routed

Suggests a specific path or course is being followed. Focuses on navigation.

it is steered

Suggests controlled movement or manipulation of a course or path. Implies control.

FAQs

How can I use "it is directed" in a sentence?

Use "it is directed" to indicate guidance, instruction, or orientation. For example, "The funding "it is directed" towards cancer research" or "The play "it is directed" by a famous director".

What are some alternatives to "it is directed"?

Consider alternatives such as "it is aimed", "it is focused", or "it is geared toward" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "it is directed" or "it directs"?

Using "it directs" places emphasis on the agent doing the directing, whereas ""it is directed"" emphasizes the recipient of the direction. The choice depends on which aspect you want to highlight.

What does "it is directed towards" mean?

The phrase "it is directed towards" means that something is being guided or oriented in a specific direction or toward a specific goal. For example, "The effort it is directed towards improving public health".