take a different direction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take a different direction" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a change in approach, strategy, or course of action in various contexts, such as business, personal decisions, or creative projects. Example: "After reviewing the initial plan, we decided to take a different direction to better align with our goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

But after he helped set up the then private company, it started to take a different direction.

The Guardian

At the heart of Ed's One Nation vision was his willingness to take a different direction on economic policy.

The Guardian - Opinion

While Barbaro made the transition from grass to dirt, the surface over which he had his most significant victories, Nicanor's career appears certain to take a different direction.

The New York Times - Sports

And while the City was happy with the job Mr Bolland had done for M&S, others urged Mr Rowe to take a different direction.

Independent

The complaint lay dormant and Rage continued to perform, but after a couple of months, the club insisted that Blue take a different direction with regard to the body types she would present on stage.

The Guardian

After this stint on Broadway, Mr. La Fosse contemplated leaving ballet altogether but saw his career take a different direction when Mr. Baryshnikov took over from Lucia Chase as artistic director of Ballet Theater the next year.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

"Her career has taken a different direction.

Independent

Westford Hill took a different direction.

The New York Times - Food

So, through loss, the house took a different direction.

The Guardian - Arts

"It was so unique and took a different direction altogether".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Abertis, an infrastructure group, took a different direction.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing changes in creative projects or personal development, "take a different direction" can highlight a turning point where new ideas or perspectives influence the overall goal.

Common error

Avoid using "take a different direction" when only minor tweaks or adjustments are made. This phrase is best suited for significant shifts, not for subtle refinements. Alternatives like "adjust the approach" or "make slight modifications" may be more appropriate for minor changes.

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic phrase "take a different direction" functions as a verb phrase that signifies a deliberate change in course, strategy, or approach. It is often used when an initial plan or method is not yielding the desired results, prompting a shift towards a new and potentially more effective path. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "take a different direction" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a shift in strategy or approach. Ludwig AI's analysis indicates that it is used across various contexts, from news and media to science and business. When considering alternatives, phrases like "adopt a new strategy" or "change course" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. It's crucial to use "take a different direction" when describing a substantial shift, not just minor adjustments, to ensure clarity and accuracy in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adopt a new strategy

Focuses on the implementation of a new plan or method.

change course

Implies altering the path or trajectory of an action.

pivot

Highlights a quick or strategic shift, often in business.

alter one's approach

Indicates a modification in the method used to tackle a task.

shift gears

Suggests a change in pace or intensity along with direction.

veer off course

Emphasizes a deviation from the original plan or route.

strike out on a new path

Highlights the beginning of a new journey or undertaking.

head in a new direction

Focuses on the movement towards a different objective.

move in another direction

Similar to 'head in a new direction' but places less emphasis on objective and more on the general move.

pursue an alternative path

Indicates actively seeking a different route or method.

FAQs

How can I use "take a different direction" in a sentence?

You can use "take a different direction" to indicate a change in strategy or approach, such as, "After the initial results were unsatisfactory, we decided to "take a different direction" with the marketing campaign".

What can I say instead of "take a different direction"?

You can use alternatives like "adopt a new strategy", "change course", or "pivot" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "take a different direction" or "go in a different direction"?

"Take a different direction" implies a conscious decision to change strategy. "Go in a different direction" is more general, simply indicating a change of course. The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it inappropriate to use "take a different direction"?

It's inappropriate to use "take a different direction" when you're only making minor adjustments. This phrase signals a significant shift, so use it when you are drastically altering your approach. For minor tweaks, consider phrases like "make slight adjustments".