we are directed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are directed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone is being guided or instructed to do something. Example: "In this project, we are directed to follow the established protocols to ensure safety and compliance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Our eyes tend to glaze over when we are directed to look up to a ceiling with allegorical representations.

The New York Times

"The old pharmacy?" we ask and we are directed to a bottlegreen shop with a sign: Geday & Son, Pharmacist.

The Guardian

Kingsolver's fecund prose is always reader-friendly, though we are directed to her messages with too heavy a hand.

The Guardian - Books

We are directed to the library, where a gruff assistant slides 19th-century business compendiums across the desk.

The Guardian

"If we are directed to impose a no-fly zone, we have the resources to do it," Mr. Gates said.

The New York Times

"And if we are directed by a federal agency to do otherwise in violation of the permit, we will review legal options available to us".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

"With our protest, we are directing our anger appropriately.

The Guardian

That is why we are directing £35m from banking fines this year to supporting our armed forces, veterans and their families".

The Guardian

"If they can't reach this hurdle to entry we are directing them to longer courses," he said.

Independent

This year we are directing $30 million in institutional aid to support our students.

Huffington Post

We are trying to get some idea of that so we know where we are directing our aid".

Unicef

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we are directed", ensure the context clearly indicates who is providing the direction. This adds clarity and authority to the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "we are directed" without specifying the directing authority. This can lead to confusion or a lack of accountability. Instead of saying "We are directed to proceed", specify who is giving the direction: "We are directed by the supervisor to proceed."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are directed" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject ("we") is receiving direction or instructions from an external source. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment of the phrase as grammatically sound and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we are directed" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to indicate that a group is receiving and following instructions from an external source. Predominantly found in News & Media and Science contexts, the phrase carries a neutral to formal tone. When using "we are directed", it's crucial to specify the source of direction for clarity. Alternative phrases like "we have been instructed" or "we are being guided" can offer nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we have been instructed

Uses a passive construction with "instructed" instead of "directed", emphasizing the instruction received.

we are required

Highlights the necessity or mandate to perform a certain action.

we are under orders

Implies a formal or authoritative command, often in a military or hierarchical context.

we are being guided

Suggests a more supportive or mentoring form of direction, rather than a strict command.

we are tasked

Specifies that a particular duty or assignment has been given.

we are compelled

Indicates an obligation or necessity, suggesting less choice in the matter.

we are obliged

Similar to "compelled", but often carries a sense of duty or moral requirement.

we are led

Indicates being shown the way or influenced, often by a person or a set of principles.

it is our directive

Shifts the focus from receiving direction to implementing it, emphasizing the action being taken.

we are controlled

Indicates an external source is dictating our actions, implying a lack of autonomy.

FAQs

How can I use "we are directed" in a sentence?

The phrase "we are directed" is used to indicate that a group is receiving instructions or commands. For example, "We are directed to follow these safety protocols" or "We are directed by the manager to complete the report by Friday".

What can I say instead of "we are directed"?

You can use alternatives like "we have been instructed", "we are under orders", or "we are being guided" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "we are directed" or "we are instructed"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct. "We are directed" often implies a formal command or order, while "we are instructed" suggests a more general imparting of knowledge or instructions. The choice depends on the specific context and the desired nuance.

What's the difference between "we are directed" and "we are managing"?

"We are directed" means that someone else is giving instructions to us, while "we are managing" indicates that we are in control and guiding something. The first implies obedience; the second, leadership.