upward direction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "upward direction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a movement or orientation that is directed towards a higher position or level. Example: "The balloon floated in an upward direction, rising higher into the sky."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Thar she blows, in an upward direction.

The New York Times

But it isn't all in the upward direction".

The New Yorker

Although the movement was in the upward direction, there is a long way to go.

The New York Times

"And it is going to take some time for the market to gain some upward direction again".

The New York Times

Of itself, it cannot produce cyclical movements in the economy; it merely provides a positive impulse in an upward direction.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"The market definitely has been feeling the path of least resistance in the upward direction," said Arthur Hogan, chief market analyst at Jefferies & Company.

The New York Times

I had spent hours creating it: a panicked stewardess, hair spiked straight up above her head, tie floating in the same upward direction, uniform beginning to be disheveled.

The New Yorker

The differentiation occurs in an upward direction, so that the maturation of the vascular tissues follows at a more or less constant distance behind the apex.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Councillor Pat Karney said: "North West is a tremendous name, with a strong, upward direction – just like our own region and of course, Manchester.

Independent

"I think we have good leadership here, and I hope that I have an impact on this program and keep it in the upward direction it's been headed".

The New York Times - Sports

Upward direction indicates extension.

Earth, Planets and Space

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts like market trends or personal progress, use "upward direction" to clearly indicate positive growth or improvement.

Common error

Avoid using "upward direction" when describing something stationary or without a clear sense of movement. For example, instead of saying 'the statue faced in an upward direction', opt for 'the statue faced upwards' or 'the statue's gaze was directed skyward'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "upward direction" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs by specifying the direction of movement or orientation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in describing physical movement (e.g., rockets soaring) and abstract trends (e.g., market growth).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "upward direction" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate movement, orientation, or a trend progressing towards a higher level. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's generally accepted. While versatile, context dictates its suitability, with more formal or scientific contexts often favoring its precision. When describing abstract concepts such as progress, using "upward direction" provides clarity and emphasizes positive growth. Remember to use the related alternative phrases if context requires it. Ludwig's analysis showcases that while it's common, writers should be mindful of instances where more concise alternatives might enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ascending trajectory

Focuses on the path taken while moving upwards, implying a curve or specific route.

vertical ascent

Emphasizes the perpendicular nature of the upward movement.

rise

A more concise way to describe an upward movement or increase.

going up

A simpler, more informal way of expressing movement upwards.

heading upwards

Indicates the intended direction of movement, rather than the movement itself.

moving skyward

Implies movement towards the sky specifically, often used poetically.

climbing

Suggests effort or difficulty in moving upwards.

lift

A more general term for raising something upwards.

elevation gain

Focuses on the increase in height or altitude.

superior course

Suggests a path or direction that is higher or above in rank or position.

FAQs

How can I use "upward direction" in a sentence?

You can use "upward direction" to describe the way something is moving or oriented. For example, "The rocket soared in an upward direction" or "The graph shows a trend in an upward direction".

What are some alternatives to "upward direction"?

Alternatives to "upward direction" include "ascending trajectory", "vertical ascent", or simply "rise" depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "moving in an upward direction"?

While not strictly redundant, "moving in an upward direction" can often be simplified to "moving upward" or "ascending". The simpler phrasing is usually more concise and clear.

What's the difference between "upward direction" and "positive trend"?

"Upward direction" refers to a literal or figurative movement towards a higher point. "Positive trend" specifically describes a pattern of increase or improvement over time, often in data or statistics. While a "positive trend" might be visualized as an upward direction on a graph, the two terms aren't always interchangeable.