make a direction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'make a direction' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to convey the idea that someone needs to indicate a course of action or to provide instruction on how to move forward. For example: "The board will make a direction on the matter at the next meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Would you rather have the power to make a direction on LTV ratios, rather than a recommendation?

The Guardian - Business

He said: "The PRA should not allow this and should make a direction to the Co-op Bank [to alter the restructuring] accordingly".

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

No way, obviously, can reforms in all those areas be achieved in a mere two years, but a start can be made, a direction laid out.

Huffington Post

Trouser-talk might be enough to make a One Direction fan swoon, but Malik's slightly shaky drawl suggests he's not in the mood for revelations.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"I had... hoped at about age 50 to make a new direction in science in Third World diseases, human rights, and areas I felt were important".

Science Magazine

The application of fiber-reinforced materials in tissue repair has a wide range of use and mature background, considering the excellent mechanical properties, and will make a new direction for disc restoration.

BioMed Research International

This skill can save your life when you need to make a sudden direction adjustment with your car.

WikiHow

"Its easy for me to say, it's another thing to make a different policy direction to make that happen and I acknowledge that".

The Guardian

Always do extra due diligence before you make a commitment to a direction.

Forbes

Employers and human resource professionals need to make a move in our direction, rather than waiting for us to make a move in their direction.

Huffington Post

A few big shareholders can make a difference in either direction.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make a direction", ensure the context clearly indicates who is providing the direction and what the intended outcome should be.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "make a direction" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "give directions" or "provide guidance" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a direction" functions as a verb phrase where "make" is the verb and "a direction" is the noun phrase acting as the direct object. This structure allows it to express the act of establishing a course of action or offering guidance, as demonstrated in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make a direction" is grammatically correct but rarely used. According to Ludwig, it conveys the act of indicating a course of action or providing instruction. While generally suitable for neutral to professional contexts such as news and formal communications, simpler alternatives might be preferable in informal settings. Remember to ensure clarity regarding who is providing the direction and the desired outcome. Overall, "make a direction" is a valid but relatively uncommon way to express the concept of guidance or strategic planning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

set a course

This alternative uses more concise vocabulary.

establish a path

This alternative emphasizes creation of a route or plan.

provide guidance

This alternative focuses on the act of offering direction.

give instructions

This alternative emphasizes providing clear steps to follow.

offer a recommendation

This alternative focuses on suggesting a course of action, rather than dictating it.

chart a course

This alternative implies careful planning and navigation.

define a strategy

This alternative focuses on creating a plan to achieve a specific goal.

determine the approach

This alternative speaks about defining how something will be handled.

lay out a plan

This alternative focuses on detailing a comprehensive scheme.

point the way

This alternative uses a more metaphorical expression for guidance.

FAQs

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

You can use "make a direction" to indicate the act of providing guidance or setting a course. For example, "The committee will "provide guidance" on the new policy at the next meeting." It can also mean setting off on a course: "I have decided to "set a course" for success by studying diligently".

What are some alternatives to "make a direction"?

Some alternatives include "set a course", "provide guidance", "give instructions", or "offer a recommendation" depending on the specific context.

Is "make a direction" the same as "give directions"?

While related, "make a direction" is broader. "Give directions" typically refers to providing specific instructions on how to get somewhere, whereas "make a direction" can refer to providing more general guidance or setting a strategic course, as alternative phrases like "set a course" imply.

Which is more appropriate, "make a direction" or "take a direction"?

"Make a direction" implies initiating or providing guidance, while "take a direction" means to follow an existing course. So, "make a direction" focuses on initiation, whereas "take a direction" focuses on acceptance and adherence.