we have directed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we have directed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that you have given instructions or guidance to someone or a group. Example: "In our last meeting, we have directed the team to focus on improving customer service."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Now we have to make sure the politicians spend our money as we have directed".

The New York Times

"We have directed that they should stop public screening of the film," Ms. Akunyili said.

The New York Times

"Obviously in a post-9/11 world, we have directed some additional efforts toward the protection of our watershed," Mr. Rehm said.

The New York Times

"We have directed a lot of resources towards this because we recognize it as a huge potential security vulnerability," Mr. Arnold said.

The New York Times

Jonathan P. Wolman, the executive editor of The Associated Press, said yesterday: "We have directed our counsel to make a formal demand that the Justice Department explain the process and reasoning used to secretly obtain a reporter's telephone records.

The New York Times

"After meeting with Stephon and his representative this afternoon, we have directed Stephon not to participate in practice or attend games until further notice," Walsh said in a statement.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

"We've directed the staff to notify MPD should they receive specific threats or have concerns about their safety".

The Guardian

How can we have direct elections?

The New York Times

Listen, we have direct orders from God.

The New York Times

We have direct mail pieces that address that.

The New York Times

"We have direct connectivity to nine E.C.N.'s.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we have directed", clearly state who is giving the direction and who is receiving it to avoid ambiguity. For example, "We have directed the marketing team to increase social media engagement."

Common error

Avoid using "we have directed" in a way that obscures who is responsible for the direction. Ensure the active voice is used to maintain clarity and accountability, and to prevent using it where other verbs like "guided", or "instructed" may be a better fit.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we have directed" functions as a declarative statement, indicating that the speaker or group has issued instructions or guidance. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a standard and correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

24%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we have directed" is a common and grammatically sound way to indicate that instructions or guidance have been given. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and versatile. It's frequently found in news, science, and business contexts. When using this phrase, it's best to clearly state who is giving and receiving the direction to avoid ambiguity and ensure that an active voice is used to avoid misinterpretations. While alternatives such as "we have instructed" and "we have guided" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we have instructed

Replaces "directed" with a more formal synonym, emphasizing the act of giving instructions.

we have instructed them

Explicitly includes the recipient of instructions, providing more clarity in some contexts.

we have commanded

Conveys a stronger sense of authority and order than "directed".

we have guided

Implies a more supportive and advisory role compared to "directed".

we have ordered

Similar to "commanded", but can also refer to ordering goods or services.

we have authorized

Indicates that permission or approval has been granted for a specific action.

we have stipulated

Suggests a formal agreement or condition has been set.

we have decreed

Implies a formal and authoritative pronouncement, often with legal or official weight.

we have seen to it

Suggests ensuring that something is done, rather than simply giving instructions.

we have seen to that

Similar to 'we have seen to it' but implies the action is already finished and well managed.

FAQs

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

You can use "we have directed" to indicate that you or your organization has given instructions or guidance. For example: "We have directed our staff to prioritize customer satisfaction."

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

You can use alternatives like "we have instructed", "we have guided", or "we have ordered" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "we have directed" and "we have suggested"?

"We have directed" implies a stronger level of authority and a more mandatory action, while "we have suggested" implies a recommendation that can be taken or not.

When is it appropriate to use "we have directed" versus "we have requested"?

"We have directed" is appropriate when giving a formal instruction or command. "We have requested" is better suited for making a polite request where compliance is not necessarily enforced.