received directions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "received directions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone has been given instructions or guidance on how to proceed with a task or situation. Example: "After reviewing the project requirements, I received directions from my supervisor on how to move forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

He wandered into a building and received directions.

The New York Times

This wasn't the first time Mr. Mills had received directions like these.

The New York Times

Ms. Silva said that her group had no coyote with them but had received directions by text.

The New York Times

After standing in line at the Long Island Rail Road counter at the Jamaica Station, they received directions from an employee.

The New York Times

Thus, while in reality we might have received directions from an elderly lady, in Rarecho's version of events we are guided by a Godzilla-sized Gothic Lolita.

The Guardian

In an interview, Mr. King, the former CNN star who now anchors a prime-time interview show on RT, said that he had never received directions on coverage from the network.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

She received direction and encouragement from her teammates, especially the scholarship class that entered Nebraska the year after her.

The New York Times - Sports

Phillips said the Mets had not received direction from ownership about next year's payroll, and he cited the instability of the industry as a reason.

The New York Times - Sports

But, announcing the arrest of two men, Assistant Commissioner James Malizia said that the suspects had received "direction and guidance" from "Al Qaeda elements" located in Iran.

The New York Times

Assistant Commissioner James Malizia said that the two suspects had received "direction and guidance" from "Al Qaeda elements living in Iran," but that there was no evidence that the effort had been sponsored by the government of Iran.

The New York Times

This improved matters, and on an increasing number of occasions aircraft received direction from the CH stations towards real targets.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "received directions", ensure the context clearly indicates the source and type of guidance received. For clarity, specify who provided the directions (e.g., "received directions from the manager") and what the directions pertained to (e.g., "received directions on operating the machine").

Common error

Avoid consistently using passive voice constructions like "directions were received" as it can make your writing sound less direct. Opt for active voice when possible, such as "the team received directions", which is more concise and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "received directions" functions as a verb phrase, where "received" is the main verb indicating the action of getting something, and "directions" is a noun specifying what was obtained. It indicates the act of being given guidance or instructions, aligning with the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "received directions" is a grammatically sound way to express that someone was given instructions or guidance. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides examples across various contexts, predominantly in news and media. While relatively infrequent, the phrase is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal settings. When using this phrase, ensure that the source and subject of the directions are clear. Consider alternatives like "obtained instructions" or "were given directions" for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obtained instructions

Replaces "received" with "obtained", emphasizing the acquisition of instructions.

were given directions

Changes the voice to passive, focusing on the giver of the directions rather than the receiver.

got directions

Uses a more informal verb, "got", to replace "received".

accepted guidance

Replaces "directions" with the broader term "guidance", focusing on general advice.

were instructed

Implies a more formal setting where instructions are provided.

were advised on the route

Specifically refers to advice regarding a route or course of action.

took instructions

Emphasizes the act of accepting and following instructions.

had directions provided

Highlights the provision of directions, using a more descriptive structure.

acquired navigational information

Presents a more formal and detailed way of indicating the gathering of directions.

were briefed on how to proceed

Focuses on being informed on how to continue or advance with a task.

FAQs

What does "received directions" mean?

"Received directions" means that someone has been given instructions or guidance on how to proceed with something, such as a task or journey.

How can I use "received directions" in a sentence?

You can use "received directions" to indicate that someone was given instructions. For example: "After the meeting, she "received instructions" on the next steps."

What are some alternatives to "received directions"?

Alternatives to "received directions" include "were given directions", "obtained instructions", or "got directions".

Is it better to say "received directions" or "were given directions"?

Both "received directions" and "were given directions" are grammatically correct, but "received directions" is in the active voice and might sound more direct. "Were given directions" is passive.