looking in the direction of

USAGE SUMMARY

"looking in the direction of" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate observing something specific in a particular direction, for example: "He squinted into the distance, looking in the direction of the setting sun."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Books

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

McNabb is certain to be looking in the direction of the inexperienced McDaniel.

The New York Times - Sports

They're looking in the direction of a cloud of smoke rising about a dozen blocks from the hospital.

The New York Times - Books

He was looking in the direction of the next building, which is separated by a gap of about eight feet, the neighbors were told.

The New York Times

Modernity in his day meant looking in the direction of the feverish abstract experimentation of New York – Pollock, de Kooning, Motherwell.

Independent

Do not be looking in the direction of left field, although this was not always the case and by no means to England's disadvantage.

The Guardian - Sport

In one photograph, taken at dusk on Tuesday, Saman captured a woman standing in the middle of the river, looking in the direction of his camera.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Most drivers did not look in the direction of the cyclist before opening the door.

Safety Science

Movement came to a standstill as everyone looked in the direction of the voice.

The New York Times

Battier cackled and looked in the direction of James and Dwyane Wade, surrounded by cameras.

The New York Times - Sports

She looked in the direction of a skinny blonde on the next towel.

The New Yorker

Woods turned to look in the direction of the sound, toward the 14th green, where he knew Phil Mickelson was playing.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's reaction or focus, use "looking in the direction of" to create a sense of anticipation or mystery. It suggests the character isn't necessarily seeing something specific, but their attention is drawn to that general area.

Common error

Avoid using "looking in the direction of" for inanimate objects. While technically possible, it can sound awkward. For instance, instead of saying "The camera was looking in the direction of the stage," consider "The camera was pointed at the stage."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "looking in the direction of" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb, indicating the direction of someone's gaze or attention. It helps to describe spatial orientation and visual focus. Examples from Ludwig show its use across diverse contexts, supporting its role in describing visual actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

24%

Books

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Sport

6%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "looking in the direction of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe the direction of someone's gaze without necessarily implying a direct focus on a specific object. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media, as well as in scientific writing, and can be used to create suspense or indicate a general area of interest. To enhance clarity, it's best to avoid using the phrase with inanimate objects. Instead, consider more appropriate alternatives that specifically express direction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gazing towards

Implies a more sustained and perhaps softer look, less about immediate action and more about contemplative observation.

glancing toward

Suggests a quick, often surreptitious look, lacking the sustained attention of "looking".

directing sight towards

Highlights the intentional and deliberate act of pointing one's vision in a specific direction.

facing towards

Focuses on physical orientation rather than visual attention; implies a broader alignment.

turning one's eyes to

Emphasizes the physical action of moving the eyes and the subsequent act of seeing.

viewing toward

A more formal term that emphasizes the act of seeing from a particular standpoint.

aiming the gaze at

Implies a directed and focused look, possibly with intention or purpose.

eyeing up

More informal and suggests active assessment or desire, not mere observation.

spotting in the area of

Shifts focus from active looking to the result of seeing something, emphasizing discovery.

observing in relation to

Suggests a detailed, analytical observation rather than a simple direction of sight.

FAQs

How can I use "looking in the direction of" in a sentence?

You can use "looking in the direction of" to describe someone's gaze or focus, implying they are observing something in a specific area, for example: "She was "looking in the direction of" the mountains, lost in thought".

What phrases are similar to "looking in the direction of"?

Similar phrases include "gazing towards", "glancing toward", or "facing towards", each offering a slightly different nuance regarding the intensity and intention of the gaze.

Is it correct to say "looked in the direction" instead of "looking in the direction of"?

While "looked in the direction" might be grammatically acceptable, ""looking in the direction of"" is more commonly used to describe a continuous or habitual action. The former implies a one-time instance.

What's the difference between "looking at" and "looking in the direction of"?

"Looking at" implies a direct focus on something specific, while ""looking in the direction of"" suggests a broader, less focused gaze within a particular area, without necessarily focusing on a single point.