take direction from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take direction from" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to receiving guidance or instructions from someone, typically in a professional or organizational context. Example: "As a team member, I am expected to take direction from my supervisor to ensure that our project aligns with company goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

3. Take direction from social movements, not just photo ops.

The Guardian - Opinion

"She had the humility to take direction from somebody who lacked experience".

Independent

Instead, take direction from the creative class and bring a modern, casual spin to the classics.

Independent

JULY 4, 1979 I am clearly unable to take direction from anyone but Liz and even that comes hard.

The New York Times - Magazine

By law, it cannot take direction from the campaign, and the two operations have limits on how they can communicate.

The Guardian

The administration has said that while BP alone has the technological capability to stop the leak, it must take direction from Admiral Allen and other senior administration officials.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

Did these teenagers take directions from the group?

The New York Times

A Chicagoan notes, "I get very lost when I take directions from a Southerner".

The New York Times - Arts

But the tank crews refused to take directions from the director.

The New York Times

"As President, I will not indulge in anything," Johnson vowed, as if he were J.F.K. promising not to take directions from the Pope.

The New Yorker

"Come on," said one officer at New Orleans's Louis Armstrong airport, "You're going to take directions from the Europeans?" I point out that the manufacturers of body scanning machines have spent millions of dollars lobbying Congress to ensure their deployment.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "take direction from", ensure the source of direction is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify "take direction from the project manager" rather than just "take direction".

Common error

Avoid using "take direction from" without specifying who or what is providing the direction. This can lead to confusion and misinterpretation. Always clarify the source to maintain clarity and accountability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take direction from" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of receiving guidance or instructions from a specified source. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts, from professional settings to creative endeavors.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "take direction from" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that signifies receiving guidance or instructions from someone or something. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is both correct and readily usable. Analysis of numerous examples reveals its prevalence in various contexts, notably in news, scientific, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, clarity is key; it's crucial to specify the source of direction to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "follow instructions from" or "heed guidance from" can be used to add nuance, but the core meaning remains consistent across these options.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

follow instructions from

Focuses on adhering to specific instructions, emphasizing compliance.

heed guidance from

Highlights the act of paying attention to and acting upon advice or counsel.

receive guidance from

Emphasizes the act of obtaining advice or support from a particular source.

be guided by

Implies that someone or something is influencing one's actions or decisions.

act upon advice from

Focuses on the action of using advice as a basis for decisions or actions.

take cues from

Suggests observing and imitating or responding to subtle signals or prompts.

defer to

Indicates yielding to someone else's judgment or authority.

be subject to

Highlights being under the control or influence of someone or something.

obey instructions from

Stresses strict adherence to commands or directives.

learn from

Focuses on gaining knowledge or skills from a particular source or experience.

FAQs

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

You can use "take direction from" to indicate receiving guidance or instructions. For example, "Employees must "take direction from" their supervisors to ensure project alignment."

What are some alternatives to "take direction from"?

Alternatives include "follow instructions from", "heed guidance from", or "receive guidance from", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "take direction from" or "receive direction from"?

Both "take direction from" and "receive direction from" are correct and similar in meaning. The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What's the difference between "take direction from" and "give direction to"?

"Take direction from" means to receive instructions or guidance, while "give direction to" means to provide instructions or guidance to someone else. They represent opposite roles in a directive process.