these directives

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "these directives" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to specific instructions or guidelines that have been previously mentioned or are understood in the context. Example: "Please ensure that you follow these directives to complete the project successfully."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Taken as a whole, her approach has been Kafkaesque: she has tried time and again to direct the counties to stop counting -- and then, once these directives have been set aside by the courts, she has sought to reject these votes because of the counties failure in obedience to her directives to complete the counts on a timely basis.

The New York Times

These directives led to nothing.

The New Yorker

These directives were a British proposal.

Independent

Given a weak conductor, a powerhouse orchestra can override these directives within limits.

The New York Times - Arts

It commanded all cabinet officers and agency heads to execute these directives.

The New York Times

We've instructed the appropriate government agencies to ensure that these directives are implemented," he said.

The Guardian

Yet these directives are now at risk of being weakened or completely withdrawn.

The Guardian

Yet abiding by these directives fails to prevent its members from quietly and irrevocably falling apart.

The New York Times

But none of these directives were enforced, the court motion asserts.

The New York Times

More subtly, some argue that the very bases of these directives -- patient autonomy and informed consent -- are flawed.

The New York Times

"We are very committed with the Nordic countries to these directives; they are our red line," said Canfin.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "these directives", ensure the directives have been clearly defined or referenced previously in the text to avoid ambiguity. For example, 'Following the safety guidelines outlined in section 2, adhere to "these directives" when operating heavy machinery'.

Common error

Avoid starting a paragraph with "these directives" without first establishing what directives are being referred to. This can leave the reader confused and searching for the antecedent.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "these directives" is as a noun phrase acting as the object of a verb or the subject of a clause. It refers to a specific set of instructions or guidelines. Ludwig AI confirms its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

45%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "these directives" is a commonly used noun phrase that refers to a specific set of instructions or guidelines. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and appears frequently in news, scientific, and formal contexts. To ensure clarity, always make sure the directives are clearly defined or referenced earlier in your text. While alternatives such as "these instructions" or "these guidelines" exist, "these directives" maintains a formal tone suitable for various professional writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

these instructions

Replaces "directives" with "instructions", focusing on the specific steps or guidance provided.

these guidelines

Substitutes "directives" with "guidelines", emphasizing a more advisory or recommended approach.

these regulations

Replaces "directives" with "regulations", highlighting the mandatory or legally binding nature of the instructions.

these mandates

Substitutes "directives" with "mandates", stressing the authoritative command or order being given.

these commands

Replaces "directives" with "commands", emphasizing the authoritative nature of the instructions.

these orders

Substitutes "directives" with "orders", highlighting the official and often hierarchical nature of the instructions.

these stipulations

Replaces "directives" with "stipulations", stressing the specific conditions or requirements being imposed.

these provisions

Substitutes "directives" with "provisions", emphasizing the specific terms or clauses within a larger agreement or framework.

these prescriptions

Replaces "directives" with "prescriptions", highlighting a set of specific rules or recommendations for action.

these decrees

Substitutes "directives" with "decrees", emphasizing a formal and authoritative order or proclamation.

FAQs

How can I use "these directives" in a sentence?

You can use "these directives" to refer to a set of instructions or guidelines previously mentioned. For example, "The company implemented new safety protocols. All employees must adhere to "these directives" to ensure a safe working environment".

What phrases are similar in meaning to "these directives"?

Phrases with similar meaning include "these instructions", "these guidelines", or "these regulations". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "these directives" in formal writing?

Yes, "these directives" is suitable for formal writing, especially when referring to established rules, policies, or procedures. However, ensure the context clearly defines what "these directives" refers to.

What's the difference between "these directives" and "those directives"?

"These directives" typically refers to directives that are closer in proximity, either physically or contextually, while "those directives" refers to directives that are farther away or have already been discussed. The choice depends on the flow and clarity of your writing.