setting the direction

USAGE SUMMARY

The term "setting the direction" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to the act of establishing a goal or purpose for something or deciding on the course of action for a project, team, or organization. Example: The CEO's primary role is setting the direction for the company, outlining its long-term goals and strategies for growth.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

But it is those with ultimate responsibility for setting the direction and culture of the NHS – the politicians – who are truly at fault.

The Guardian - Opinion

But he plays a leading role in setting the direction and budgets of a host of other spy agencies, most of which are part of the Defense Department.

The New York Times

"Sensitive and thorough handling of the investigation in the 'golden hours' following the death is critical to evidence-gathering and on setting the direction and quality of the investigation to follow".

The Guardian

But that does not change the fact that the man in the picture was treated callously by the person who is chiefly responsible for setting the direction and tone of law enforcement in the state.

The New York Times

Lord Deben, chair of the committee, added: "The 2020s are crucial in setting the direction for UK power generation, and to ensure the UK can meet its 2050 climate change commitments cost-effectively.

The Guardian

The main weakness in Winter Sports is the spare documentation, which explains the controls but not the principles of the sports, like how setting the direction and curve of the stone in curling is used to let you shoot one stone in an arc around another.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

It set the direction of his life.

The New York Times - Sports

Its recommendations set the direction of travel.

The Guardian

You set the tone, and you set the direction".

The New York Times - Sports

But it is vital to set the direction of travel.

The Economist

The deepest beliefs of our nations set the direction of our foreign policy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "setting the direction", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is doing the setting, and what the direction pertains to. For instance, "The board is setting the direction for the company's sustainability initiatives."

Common error

Avoid using "setting the direction" without specifying the area or goal. Instead of saying "The project needs direction", clarify with "The project needs direction in terms of marketing strategy."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "setting the direction" functions as a gerund phrase, often serving as a noun in a sentence. It describes the act of establishing or determining a specific course of action or goal. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "setting the direction" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression across various professional fields. It serves as a gerund phrase, denoting the act of establishing a course of action or defining a strategic path. Ludwig AI highlights its common usage in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. When writing, ensure the context clearly specifies who is setting the direction and what area it pertains to, and avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "establishing the course" or "charting the path" can be used for variety. Overall, "setting the direction" is a valuable phrase for conveying leadership and strategic planning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

establishing the course

Focuses on establishing a specific path or plan to follow.

defining the strategy

Emphasizes the development and articulation of a strategic plan.

charting the path

Suggests a visual representation or mapping of a route or plan.

laying out the roadmap

Highlights the creation of a detailed plan with specific milestones.

determining the approach

Focuses on deciding the method or manner of proceeding.

shaping the future

Implies a broader, more impactful role in influencing what's to come.

steering the ship

Uses a nautical metaphor to describe guiding an organization or project.

taking the lead

Highlights the act of initiating and guiding a process or project.

guiding the way

Emphasizes the act of showing or leading others along a path.

outlining the vision

Focuses on presenting a clear and compelling picture of the desired future.

FAQs

How can I use "setting the direction" in a sentence?

You can use "setting the direction" to describe the act of establishing a goal or plan, as in "The CEO is responsible for "setting the direction" for the company's future growth."

What are some alternatives to "setting the direction"?

Alternatives include "establishing the course", "defining the strategy", or "charting the path", each emphasizing different aspects of guidance and leadership.

Is it correct to say "set the direction" instead of "setting the direction"?

While "set the direction" can be grammatically correct in certain contexts, "setting the direction" typically functions as a gerund phrase, emphasizing the ongoing process of guiding or leading. The choice depends on the intended meaning and grammatical structure of the sentence.

What's the difference between "setting the direction" and "following the direction"?

"Setting the direction" implies initiating or establishing a course of action, whereas "following the direction" means adhering to or being guided by a previously established plan or goal.