to be directed

USAGE SUMMARY

"to be directed" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe an action which someone else is responsible for (usually initiating or managing). In this context, it can be used in the active or passive voice, depending on the emphasis you wish to make. For example: Active Voice: The company directed the project to completion. Passive Voice: The project was directed to completion by the company.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Thus the graph has to be directed with two edges representing passing spaces in both directions.

Visualization in Engineering

Actors like to be directed.

The New York Times

The Almeida's revival was to be directed by Howard Davies.

The Guardian

You cannot allow yourself to be directed by its tastes.

The New Yorker

I'd merely asked to be directed toward a certain room.

The New Yorker

Questions were to be directed to the Caffeine Control Coordinator.

The New York Times

"Its sole agenda appears to be directed against India".

The New York Times

"But I wanted that, I wanted to be directed.

The Guardian - Music

For a marathoner, though, competitiveness tends to be directed inward.

The New Yorker

Even nature seemed to be directed by Peter Brook.

The Guardian

Families need to be directed to the help available.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to be directed", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is doing the directing to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "to be directed" when the active voice would be clearer and more direct. For example, instead of "Questions are to be directed to the manager", write "Direct your questions to the manager".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be directed" functions as an infinitive phrase, often used in the passive voice. Ludwig examples show its utility in indicating where attention, efforts, or inquiries should be focused. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

43%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be directed" is a grammatically correct and frequently used infinitive phrase, particularly in News & Media and Scientific contexts. As indicated by Ludwig AI, this phrase is suitable for indicating instructions or guidelines. When using "to be directed", ensure clarity by specifying who or what is doing the directing. For a more direct tone, consider using the active voice. Related phrases such as "to be aimed" or "to be channeled" can offer nuanced alternatives. Remember, proper usage enhances clarity and maintains a professional tone in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be aimed

This alternative suggests a specific target or purpose, implying a focused intention.

to be channeled

This alternative implies directing something through a specific path or medium.

to be steered

This alternative suggests guidance and control, often used in situations needing navigation.

to be guided

This alternative emphasizes assistance and support in finding the correct path or course.

to be managed

This alternative focuses on the administrative aspect of control and oversight.

to be controlled

This alternative emphasizes authority and regulation over a particular process or entity.

to be oriented

This alternative suggests aligning or positioning something in a specific direction.

to be focused

This alternative means to concentrate efforts or attention on a particular point or area.

to be addressed

This alternative means to deal with or focus on a particular issue or problem.

to be referred

This alternative suggests sending someone or something to a particular person or place for assistance or information.

FAQs

How can I use "to be directed" in a sentence?

The phrase "to be directed" is commonly used in the passive voice to indicate where something should be sent or focused. For instance, "All inquiries are "to be directed" to the marketing department".

What's a more direct alternative to "to be directed"?

If you want to be more direct, you could use phrases like "should be sent", "should be referred", or "must go" depending on the nuance you wish to convey. For example, instead of "Complaints are "to be directed" to customer service", you might say "Send complaints to customer service".

Is it better to use the active or passive voice with "to be directed"?

It depends on the context. The passive voice (e.g., "efforts need "to be directed" at improving management") is often used when the action is more important than the actor. However, the active voice (e.g., "the committee will direct resources towards education") can be more direct and clear.

Are there formal synonyms for "to be directed"?

Yes, depending on the context you could use phrases like "to be channeled", "to be oriented", or "to be addressed". For instance, in formal communication, "concerns are "to be directed" to the board" can be replaced with "concerns should be addressed to the board".