must be directed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "must be directed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something needs to be guided or aimed in a specific direction or manner. Example: "All efforts must be directed towards achieving the project's goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Considerable attention must be directed to the pump suction piping to ensure satisfactory pump operation.

Rules of Thumb for Chemical Engineers A manual of quick, accurate solutions to everyday process engineering problems

Nothing could be left to chance; all must be directed toward the same end.

Britannica

Passengers arriving on scheduled flights must be directed to immigration control.

The Times

The strategic audit, therefore, must be directed by independent board members rather than by management insiders.

Harvard Business Review

Public outrage must be directed to City Hall to insure that libraries are open all week.

The New York Times

Some 40% of loans must be directed towards "priority sectors", mainly agriculture.

The Economist

To prevent this, extra resources must be directed to medically needy areas.

The New York Times

Reparations, he said, must be directed toward repairing the damage inflicted by slavery and racism.

The New York Times

In places like Libya and Egypt, all policy must be directed ultimately towards stable government.

Independent

Most important, it must be directed with musical lightness and speed (2 05).

The New York Times

Most important, "Engaged" must be directed with musical lightness and speed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "must be directed", ensure the sentence clearly indicates what is being directed and towards what goal or recipient. Clarity is key.

Common error

Avoid using "must be directed" without a clear indication of where the action or item should be directed. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must be directed" functions as a modal passive construction. It indicates a requirement or necessity for something to be guided or oriented in a specific way. As Ludwig confirms, it’s a usable English phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

39%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "must be directed" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase indicating the necessity for guidance or orientation. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is usable in English writing. Predominantly found in news, scientific, and academic contexts, it conveys a sense of obligation. When using this phrase, clarity is crucial, ensuring that both the object and the target of the direction are clearly defined. Related phrases offer alternatives that vary in strength and nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should be guided

Replaces "must" with a softer obligation, "should", while maintaining the concept of guidance.

needs to be aimed

Substitutes "directed" with "aimed", focusing on targeting or pointing toward a specific goal.

has to be channeled

Uses "channeled" to imply a controlled flow or direction, adding a sense of management.

is required to be focused

Emphasizes the necessity of focus, making the phrase more descriptive and less direct.

should be oriented

Replaces "directed" with "oriented", focusing on alignment or positioning.

needs to be geared

Uses "geared" to suggest adaptation or preparation for a specific purpose.

must be funneled

Suggests a more constrained and deliberate redirection of resources or efforts.

should be steered

Implies guidance with control, similar to steering a vehicle.

needs to be aligned

Focuses on ensuring coherence and agreement in direction or purpose.

has to be coordinated

Highlights the need for organized and synchronized direction.

FAQs

How can I use "must be directed" in a sentence?

Use "must be directed" to indicate that something requires specific guidance or orientation. For example, "All complaints must be directed to the customer service department".

What are some alternatives to saying "must be directed"?

Alternatives include "should be guided", "needs to be aimed", or "has to be channeled", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "must be directed" or "should be directed"?

"Must be directed" implies a stronger necessity than "should be directed". Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the level of obligation or requirement.

What's the difference between "must be directed" and "must be addressed"?

"Must be directed" implies a specific route or target for something, while "must be addressed" means something needs to be dealt with or resolved. The phrases are not interchangeable.