that were directed at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that were directed at" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something was aimed or focused towards a specific subject or audience. Example: "The comments that were directed at the new policy sparked a heated debate among the staff."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

The tweets and posts that were directed at 7AFL were not calling for the photo's removal.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. Gibson is hugely successful in conveying the magnitude of the persecution and brutality that were directed at Christ.

The New York Times

Ignoring American pleas to withdraw from the West Bank, Israeli raids that were directed at the "Palestinian terrorist infrastructure" grew in intensity.

The New York Times

He read it to me, slowly and clearly, pronouncing with strange empathy every one of the words of rebuke that were directed at him.

The New Yorker

In January 2010 Google announced that it had detected a series of sophisticated hacking attacks, originating in China, that were directed at the Gmail accounts of Chinese human rights activists and foreign journalists working in China.

Britannica

Many patients considering sinus surgery today have had surgical procedures in the past that were directed at removing diseased mucosa, rather than improving sinus drainage, and have a different appearance on CT.

Seminars in Ultrasound, CT and MRI

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

It was nothing that was directed at us".

The New York Times - Sports

He invoked the skepticism that was directed at Galileo.

The New York Times

I also loved the anger that was directed at scientists.

The New York Times - Arts

It looks like a movie that was directed at a distance.

The New York Times

Appeals courts often reverse convictions that follow jury instructions that are directed at a single juror.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that were directed at" when you want to clearly indicate that actions, criticisms, or resources were specifically aimed or channeled towards a particular subject or audience. It provides a sense of intentionality and focus.

Common error

Avoid using "direct at" without the "were" or another auxiliary verb. "Direct at" is not grammatically correct. Instead, use the passive form "that were directed at" to ensure proper sentence structure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that were directed at" functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun by specifying the target or recipient of an action or attribute. Ludwig provides multiple examples showing it in use with various subjects, from tweets to missiles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that were directed at" is a grammatically sound and frequently used relative clause that clarifies the target or focus of an action or attribute. Ludwig provides numerous examples from diverse and authoritative sources, including news media, scientific publications, and encyclopedias. While suitable for neutral and professional registers, it is important to avoid common errors like omitting auxiliary verbs. Alternatives like "that were aimed at" or "that were focused on" may be used depending on the desired nuance. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and usability in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that were aimed at

Replaces "directed" with "aimed", emphasizing the intention to target something.

that were focused on

Substitutes "directed" with "focused", highlighting the concentration on a particular subject.

that were targeted at

Uses "targeted" instead of "directed", stressing a specific and intentional focus.

that were intended for

Replaces "directed at" with "intended for", emphasizing the designed purpose.

that were geared towards

Uses "geared towards" to suggest that something is designed to be suitable for a particular purpose.

that were addressed to

Replaces "directed at" with "addressed to", often used when referring to communication or remarks.

that were channeled to

Substitutes "directed" with "channeled", emphasizing the route or path through which something is conveyed.

that were assigned to

Replaces "directed" with "assigned", suggesting a designated purpose or recipient.

that were destined for

Uses "destined for" instead of "directed at", emphasizing an inevitable or predetermined outcome.

that were purposed for

Replaces "directed at" with "purposed for", highlighting the intended use or goal.

FAQs

How can I use "that were directed at" in a sentence?

You can use "that were directed at" to indicate that something was aimed or focused towards a specific target or audience. For example, "The accusations "that were directed at" the CEO led to his resignation".

What's a more formal way to say "that were directed at"?

In more formal contexts, you could use phrases like "that were addressed to" or "that were intended for" to convey a similar meaning with a slightly more elevated tone.

Is there a subtle difference between "that were directed at" and "that were aimed at"?

While similar, "that were aimed at" might imply a more explicit intention to target something, whereas "that were directed at" can also imply a general channeling or focusing of resources or attention.

What are some common words to replace "directed" in the phrase "that were directed at"?

Common alternatives include "that were focused on", "that were targeted at", and "that were geared towards", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.