directions: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral
Quick answer
What does “directions” mean?
Instructions about how to get to a place or how to do something.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Instructions about how to get to a place or how to do something.
A course along which someone or something moves, develops, or points; a general tendency or orientation; authoritative guidance or command.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. Spelling differences in related verbs (e.g., BrE: 'to direct someone to', AmE: 'to direct someone toward').
Connotations
Similar connotations. 'Directions' can imply formal, written instructions (e.g., on a packet) more commonly in AmE.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “directions” in a Sentence
give [someone] directions to [place]ask for directions to [place]follow the directions on [object]directions for [task/use]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “directions” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- They directed us to the nearest station.
- Can you direct me to the lifts?
American English
- They directed us to the nearest station.
- Can you direct me to the elevators?
adverb
British English
- The car was moving directionally.
- He gestured directionally towards the north.
American English
- The car was moving directionally.
- He gestured directionally toward the north.
adjective
British English
- We need directional signs here.
- The directional microphone picked up the sound.
American English
- We need directional signs here.
- The directional microphone picked up the sound.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Strategic directions set by the board; directions for compliance.
Academic
Research directions; directions for future study.
Everyday
Asking for or giving driving/walking directions; following recipe directions.
Technical
Assembly directions; directional signals in engineering.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “directions”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “directions”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “directions”
- Using singular 'direction' when referring to practical steps (e.g., 'The direction on the packet' - should be 'directions').
- Confusing 'directions' with 'address' (e.g., 'Can you give me your directions?' - should be 'Can you give me your address?' or 'Can you give me directions to your house?').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is almost always used as a plural noun when referring to instructions for travel or a task. The singular 'direction' refers to a course or line along which something moves.
'Directions' often implies guidance for movement or a basic sequence of steps (e.g., driving directions, recipe directions). 'Instructions' can be more detailed, technical, or formal (e.g., software installation instructions, legal instructions). There is significant overlap.
Yes, but it typically has a different, more abstract meaning. For example: 'The company is moving in a new direction' (strategic orientation) or 'The noise came from that direction' (line/path). For practical steps, use the plural.
No, the standard phrase is 'ask for directions' (plural). The singular form in this context sounds unnatural to native speakers.
Instructions about how to get to a place or how to do something.
Directions is usually neutral in register.
Directions: in British English it is pronounced /dɪˈrɛkʃ(ə)nz/, and in American English it is pronounced /dɪˈrɛkʃənz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to march to the beat of a different drum (idiom for going in a different direction)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'Direct' + 'ions'. It's the actions you take to go directly somewhere.
Conceptual Metaphor
MOVEMENT IS A PATH; UNDERSTANDING IS SEEING A PATH (e.g., 'Can you point me in the right direction?').
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'directions' correctly?