to guide

USAGE SUMMARY

"to guide" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when expressing the idea of someone or something providing direction or advice. For example, "The advisor was hired to guide the company through the difficult transition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It wants to guide".

The New York Times

Time to guide!

The New York Times

You'll have to guide them.

The New Yorker

Her brother began to guide hunting parties.

The New Yorker

Flares were lit to guide traffic.

The Economist

Was it to guide some wandering stranger?

The New York Times

'To guide people to their fate.

The New Yorker

"We have very little to guide us.

The New York Times

One was to guide the elections.

The New Yorker

It starts to guide the moral compass.

The New York Times

I try to guide them".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to guide", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is being guided and the desired outcome or direction. Clarity prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "to guide" without specifying what is being guided. For example, instead of "The principles are to guide", specify "The principles are to guide decision-making".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to guide" primarily functions as an infinitive of purpose, indicating the intention or reason behind an action. As Ludwig AI indicates, it’s commonly used to express direction or intent. Examples show it modifying verbs to explain why something is done.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

33%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to guide" functions as an infinitive of purpose, commonly used across various contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its primary role is to express direction, instruction, or support, as seen in numerous examples from news, scientific, and wiki sources. Ludwig's analysis highlights that while grammatically correct and frequently used, it’s important to ensure clarity regarding what is being guided. Related phrases offer alternative ways to express direction or influence, while awareness of common errors helps prevent misinterpretations. The phrase's neutral register and high frequency make it a versatile choice in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in order to guide

This adds an element of intention or purpose, emphasizing the reason behind the guiding action.

so as to guide

Similar to "in order to guide", this phrase also highlights the purpose or goal of the guiding action.

for guiding

This transforms the phrase into a gerund phrase, functioning as a noun and emphasizing the act of guiding itself.

to help direct

Replaces "guide" with the synonym "direct", offering a slightly different nuance but maintaining the core meaning.

to assist in guiding

Adds the element of assistance, suggesting a collaborative or supportive role in the guiding process.

for the purpose of guiding

This phrase explicitly states the intention behind the guiding action, adding clarity and emphasis.

with the aim to guide

Similar to the previous phrase, this highlights the goal or objective of the guiding action.

as a means to guide

This suggests that guiding is a method or tool used to achieve a particular outcome.

intended to guide

Shifts the focus to the intended outcome of the guiding action, emphasizing its purpose.

to provide guidance

Replaces the verb "guide" with the noun "guidance", changing the structure while retaining the core meaning.

FAQs

How can I use "to guide" in a sentence?

You can use "to guide" to show direction or influence, as in "The map is designed "to guide" travelers" or "Mentors are there "to guide" students".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "to guide"?

Alternatives include "to direct", "to lead", "to steer", or "to influence", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is there a difference between "to guide" and "to control"?

"To guide" implies offering direction and advice, whereas "to control" suggests exerting authority and restricting freedom. "To guide" allows for autonomy, while to control often involves limiting choices.

When is it appropriate to use "to guide" in formal writing?

"To guide" is suitable in formal writing when describing the provision of direction, advice, or assistance, especially when precision and clarity are required. It fits well in reports, instructions, and academic papers.