under their direction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "under their direction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone is acting or working under the guidance or supervision of another person or group. Example: "The project was completed successfully under their direction, showcasing their leadership skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Mr. Cuomo noted that mayors and other local officials have more direct authority over gun purchases of the law-enforcement agencies under their direction than he does over housing project guards.

The New York Times

Both his parents were artists and he made his first prints under their direction in Chile.

Princeton University

The first record under their direction was I Can't Be Satisfied by Muddy Waters.

The Guardian - Music

Under their direction Sony has sometimes thrived by taking the electronics industry, and consumers, by surprise.

The Economist

The charitable trust has donated well over one hundred million dollars under their direction.

The New York Times

Under their direction, the Post became an influential and widely circulated newspaper.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Once Disney gets to 2/3 ownership, direction is under their guidance while MLB's owners get the benefits of owning the other 1/3 and watching the dividends roll in.

Forbes

In 1665 Berkeley and Carteret established a proprietary government under their own direction.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For the more experienced classes, students can be divided into smaller group to rehearse a play under their own direction.

Yale University

They have taken what was effectively RB5, or STR 4 [chassis], and developed it under their own direction.

The New York Times - Sports

Under their joint direction a series of catastrophic decisions were made, as experienced ministers who disliked Rasputin were dismissed in favour of non-entities and incompetents.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "under their direction" to clearly indicate who is providing guidance or supervision for a particular activity or project. This is especially useful in formal reports or professional communications where accountability is important.

Common error

Avoid using "direction" to refer to a physical orientation or destination. "Direction" in this phrase refers to guidance or management, not a place or route. For physical orientation, use alternatives like "toward" or "in the direction of".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under their direction" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun. It indicates that an action, project, or activity is performed with the guidance, supervision, or management of a particular group or individual. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Academia

32%

Science

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "under their direction" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that serves to denote guidance, supervision, or control by a specified entity. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is appropriate for conveying that a person or thing is being managed by someone. Predominantly found in academic and news contexts, its correct application enhances clarity and accountability in communication. Remember to avoid confusing the abstract sense of "direction" with a physical orientation. The alternative phrases, such as "under their supervision" or "under their guidance", provide nuanced options to enrich your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under their supervision

Replaces "direction" with "supervision", emphasizing oversight and control.

under their guidance

Substitutes "direction" with "guidance", highlighting advice and support.

under their leadership

Replaces "direction" with "leadership", focusing on influence and command.

under their control

Emphasizes the aspect of being managed or governed by them.

with their direction

Changes the preposition to "with", slightly altering the sentence structure while maintaining similar meaning.

following their direction

Replaces "under" with "following", emphasizing adherence to their instructions.

subject to their direction

Highlights the submissive or subordinate nature of the action.

directed by them

Uses a passive voice construction to emphasize the act of being directed.

guided by their hand

Uses more figurative language to suggest influence and control.

with their oversight

Indicates a level of scrutiny and management provided by them.

FAQs

How can I use "under their direction" in a sentence?

You can use "under their direction" to indicate that a task, project, or activity is being guided or supervised by a specific person or group. For example, "The research was conducted "under their direction"".

What phrases are similar to "under their direction"?

Similar phrases include "under their supervision", "under their guidance", or "under their leadership". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "with their direction" instead of "under their direction"?

While "with their direction" is grammatically acceptable, "under their direction" is more common and clearly implies a subordinate or guided role. "With their direction" might suggest collaboration rather than supervision.

What's the difference between "under their direction" and "under their control"?

"Under their direction" implies guidance and instruction, whereas "under their control" suggests a more comprehensive authority and management. "Direction" focuses on how something is done, while "control" focuses on who has the power.