were directed to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were directed to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone or something was guided or instructed towards a particular action or destination. Example: "The participants were directed to the main hall for the opening ceremony."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Unknown

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

All the questions were directed to her.

The New Yorker

Both men were directed to collaborate together.

The New Yorker

His comments were directed to the race director, Charlie Whiting.

The Guardian - Sport

They were directed to the office of Lashkar-e-Taiba.

The New York Times

He said dozens were directed to a local elementary school.

The New York Times

The parties were directed to file new briefs.

The New Yorker

Still, no armed guards were directed to protect the building.

The Guardian

Test drivers were directed to the cities "Metropolis" and "Utopia".

The New York Times

They were directed to Mr. Lopez's fifth-floor apartment.

The New York Times

The requested federal funds were directed to the recovery district.

The New York Times

"We were directed to pull it from Iraqi sources where possible".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the nuance you wish to convey. "Were directed to" implies a level of authority or instruction. If a gentler approach is needed, consider alternatives like "were guided to".

Common error

Avoid mismatching the subject with the verb form. For example, instead of "the group was directed to", use "the groups were directed to" when referring to multiple groups.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were directed to" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject received direction or instruction. The examples provided by Ludwig showcase its use in various contexts, reinforcing its role in conveying guidance or assignment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

22%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Huffington Post

3%

The New Yorker

2%

Vice

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "were directed to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that signifies guidance or instruction. As verified by Ludwig, it functions as a passive construction and is prevalent in news and media, science, and general informational contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in specifying the source and destination of the direction. Consider alternatives like "were instructed to" or "were guided towards" to fine-tune the nuance of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were instructed to

Focuses on the act of giving specific instructions. This alternative emphasizes the instruction aspect more strongly.

were guided towards

Emphasizes the act of guidance, suggesting a more supportive or navigational role.

were shown to

Emphasizes the act of demonstrating or revealing a path or process.

were referred to

Highlights the act of being pointed to something or someone else, indicating a transfer of attention or responsibility.

were channeled to

Suggests a deliberate effort to move something or someone in a specific direction, often with a particular goal.

were sent to

A more general term indicating the transfer of someone or something to a specific location.

were dispatched to

Indicates a formal sending of someone or something to a specific location, often for a particular purpose.

were assigned to

Focuses on the allocation of a task or responsibility, differing from the guidance aspect of the original phrase.

were ordered to

Similar to commanded, but may imply a less formal context.

were commanded to

Implies a higher level of authority and a mandatory requirement.

FAQs

How can I use "were directed to" in a sentence?

You can use "were directed to" to indicate that individuals or groups were guided or instructed towards a specific location, action, or resource. For example, "The participants "were directed to" the registration desk upon arrival".

What are some alternatives to "were directed to"?

Alternatives include "were instructed to", "were guided towards", or "were referred to", depending on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "were directed to" in formal writing?

Yes, "were directed to" is suitable for formal writing. It is a clear and professional way to indicate that guidance or instruction was provided. However, always consider the tone and context to ensure it aligns with the overall style.

What is the difference between "were directed to" and "were forced to"?

"Were directed to" implies guidance or instruction, suggesting a voluntary or at least accepted action. In contrast, "were forced to" indicates coercion or lack of choice. The phrase "were forced to" indicates a lack of consent or willingness.