set directions for

USAGE SUMMARY

"set directions for" is a correct phrase in written English.
You would use this phrase when you are offering guidance in a certain direction, process, or action. For example: "I set directions for the team to finish the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

In addition, he has been the lead on various grants, including from the National Science Foundation (NSF) for two major research grants, for a collaborative workshop grant to set directions for long-term ecological research, and as co-investigator with three of his students on Doctoral Dissertation Improvement awards.

Yale University

The Second Scheme of the National Childcare Support Policy reported by the Presidential Committee on Aging and Future Society at the 60th Session of the National Agenda Meeting in May 2005 set directions for policy and outlined detailed support programs.

International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy

clinical and public health research and uses the country's health policy or plan to set directions for it (Table  4).

Health Research Policy and Systems

Thus, the lack of activity in the areas of Leadership and Governance, Information and Evidence, and Health Financing set directions for future avenues of research that could be incorporated into future HPSR research activity.

Health Research Policy and Systems

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

1. Outcomes define the goal of the organization and set direction for its differentiation.

Harvard Business Review

In 1993, Acting President Howard R. Lamar more formally constituted the University Advisory Council to set direction for the Institute.

Yale University

"He helped shape the N.I.H. and set direction for it during a critical period," said Dr. Maxine Singer, president of the Carnegie Institution in Washington.

The New York Times

She is known for her jewelry-making; product design; set direction for commercials; and her work as a magazine stylist, photographer and art director.

The New York Times

He was nominated (along with others for art and set direction) for an Academy Award for the 1956 epic "The Ten Commandments," but once said he expected to be remembered for the 1953 cult favorite "War of the Worlds," with its classic color scenes of Los Angeles being laid to waste by Martians.

The New York Times - Arts

Annually – Strategic/Organizational/Operational processes to set direction for program and project arcs.

Forbes

Meetings and conferences are often used as a tool to disseminate information, network with colleagues, and/or set direction for a field of study, but there is little evidence to support whether such events achieve their objectives.

Health Research Policy and Systems

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "set directions for", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is being guided, and toward what specific goal or outcome. Clarity in both the subject and objective will enhance the effectiveness of the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "set directions for" in passive constructions where the actor is unclear or omitted. This can weaken the sentence and reduce its impact. Instead, focus on active voice constructions to emphasize who is guiding or directing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set directions for" primarily functions as a verb phrase that introduces a statement of purpose or intention. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase indicates the act of providing guidance or establishing a path forward. For instance, a leader might "set directions for" a team, or a policy might "set directions for" future actions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

30%

Science

40%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "set directions for" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe the act of providing guidance or establishing a course of action. According to Ludwig, it is frequently used in professional and academic contexts to emphasize a strategic or intentional approach. While it is not exceedingly common, its presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times, Forbes, and academic publications ensures its reliability. When using this phrase, ensure the context clarifies who is being directed and the intended outcome. Remember to avoid passive voice to maintain a strong and clear message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

establish a roadmap for

Implies creating a detailed plan or guide to achieve specific goals.

establish guidelines for

Focuses on creating rules or principles to follow, rather than a general sense of direction.

formulate a strategy for

Stresses the development of a strategic plan to achieve objectives.

chart a course for

Uses a nautical metaphor to suggest planning and navigation toward a destination.

define a course of action for

Emphasizes a specific plan or sequence of steps to achieve a goal.

determine the approach for

Emphasizes selecting a specific method or way of dealing with something.

provide guidance for

Highlights the act of offering help and advice, not necessarily establishing a new path.

outline a plan for

Focuses on creating a basic structure of steps or actions to be taken.

lay the groundwork for

Focuses on creating a foundation or preparation for future developments.

steer towards

Implies gradually guiding something towards a particular goal or direction.

FAQs

How can I use "set directions for" in a sentence?

You can use "set directions for" to indicate the act of establishing guidance or a course of action. For example, "The committee will "set directions for" the upcoming project".

What are some alternatives to "set directions for"?

Alternatives include "establish guidelines for", "define a course of action for", or "provide guidance for", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "set directions for" or "provide instructions for"?

"Set directions for" implies a broader, more strategic guidance, while "provide instructions for" suggests specific, step-by-step guidance. The best choice depends on the context and the level of detail you want to convey.

Can "set directions for" be used in both formal and informal contexts?

While generally suitable for formal contexts, "set directions for" can also be used in informal settings where a clear sense of guidance or purpose is being established. However, consider using more casual alternatives in very informal situations.