shows the direction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shows the direction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating guidance or indicating a path or course of action in various contexts. Example: "The map clearly shows the direction to the nearest gas station."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

'I think this shows you can win clean and this shows the direction to take.

The Guardian - Sport

"It shows the direction in which Hollywood is going," Matt Mueller, editor of Screen International, said.

The Guardian - Film

Chicago Bulls star Luol Deng says Team GB's basketball match against the US in Manchester on Thursday shows the direction British basketball is moving in.

The Guardian - Sport

As Brent Schlender, an editor at large at Fortune covering Silicon Valley, said: "There's no question that what Apple does generally shows the direction where PC's go, technologically speaking.

The New York Times

Ian writes that José Manuel Barroso's State Of The Union speech this morning, which the EC president called for closer political union, shows the direction in which Brussels wants to move.

The Guardian - Business

Two weeks ago Mr. Deworetzki patented a navigational system for automobiles that not only shows the driver where he or she is headed but also shows the direction of Mecca at all times.

The New York Times

It can be represented by a line with arrowhead; the length of the line is made proportional to the strength of the force, and the direction of the arrow shows the direction of the force.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Her recent commissioning of the historians Mary Beard and Amanda Vickery to front two new series on BBC2 – a 90-minute special on Pompeii and Behind Closed Doors, about homemaking in the Georgian era – shows the direction Hadlow wants to take the channel.

The Guardian

The direction of the Cherenkov light, which is measured by sensitive photodetectors in the wall of the vessel that contains the water, shows the direction of the original particle's source.This so-called "recoil" method cannot, however, distinguish between neutrinos and antineutrinos.

The Economist

Figure 11 shows the direction of clusters.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

But this app shows the direction where TweetDeck is going.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "shows the direction", consider the context and choose a synonym if a different nuance, such as trajectory or inclination, is more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "shows the direction" excessively in overly complex sentences where simpler alternatives like "indicates" or "suggests" would improve clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shows the direction" primarily functions as a verb phrase that indicates guidance, indication of a path, or course of action. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

27%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "shows the direction" is a grammatically correct and versatile expression used to indicate a trend, path, or course of action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it finds application in various contexts, ranging from scientific research to news reporting and general communication. With a neutral register and high frequency, it effectively conveys guidance and clarity. While generally applicable, writers should avoid overuse in overly complex sentences and consider synonyms like ""indicates the trend"" or ""points towards the path"" for nuanced meaning. Its widespread presence in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability and appropriateness in diverse writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

indicates the trend

This alternative emphasizes the overall pattern or tendency rather than a specific direction.

points towards the path

This alternative is more visual and suggests a route or course to follow.

signals the course

This phrase implies a clear indication of the appropriate direction or action.

highlights the way forward

This alternative emphasizes progress and advancement in a particular direction.

demonstrates the route

Focuses on the act of displaying a defined route, either literally or figuratively.

illustrates the trajectory

Implies a more scientific or analytical approach to indicating direction, often referring to a planned path.

suggests the bearing

This alternative implies guidance toward a specific location or outcome.

reveals the orientation

Focuses on alignment and positioning, indicating a directional preference or tendency.

clarifies the approach

Highlights how something should be tackled or managed, clarifying which direction efforts should be directed.

sets the compass

Implies the initial establishment or adjustment of a direction.

FAQs

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

You can use "shows the direction" to indicate a trend or course. For example, "This data "shows the direction" the company is heading."

What are some alternatives to "shows the direction"?

Alternatives include "indicates the trend", "points towards the path", or "signals the course", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does "shows the direction" differ from "indicates the direction"?

"Shows the direction" and "indicates the direction" are largely interchangeable. However, ""shows the direction"" might suggest a more visual or demonstrable revelation, while "indicates the direction" can be more subtle.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "shows the direction"?

It's appropriate in contexts where you want to highlight a clear trend, path, or course of action, whether in business, science, or general communication. It can be used whenever you need to "shows the direction" something is heading.