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Prepositions with nouns

How to use prepositions with direction

Direction commonly appears in phrases such as in the direction of or directions for something. Some combinations are limited or nonstandard.

Quick answer

Which prepositions work with direction?

Direction is commonly used in phrases like in the direction of a place or directions for use. Of direction is not a standard expression by itself. For direction can appear in specific contexts such as directions for assembly or ask someone for direction.

We walked in the direction of the station.
The booklet includes directions for installation.
She asked her mentor for direction on the project.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
in the direction of + place

Showing movement or position

Use this phrase to describe where someone or something is moving or pointing.

The car sped in the direction of the bridge.
2
directions for + activity

Giving instructions

Use directions for when referring to instructions or guidance about a task.

I lost the directions for the coffee machine.
3
ask for direction

Requesting guidance

For direction can mean asking for advice or guidance, especially in abstract situations.

The team turned to the coach for direction during the crisis.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
of direction
The phrase of direction is not usually used alone in modern English.
Generally nonstandard except inside technical or longer expressions.
for direction
She asked for direction before making a decision.
Used for guidance, advice, or instructions.
in the direction of
They ran in the direction of the noise.
Shows movement or orientation toward something.
directions to
Can you give me directions to the museum?
Used for routes or navigation.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using of direction as a normal phrase

English normally uses direction with other structures such as in the direction of.

✕ They moved of direction the coast. ✓ They moved in the direction of the coast.

Confusing direction and directions

Direction is usually abstract or singular. Directions often means instructions or routes.

✕ I need direction to your house. ✓ I need directions to your house.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The hikers walked ___ the direction of the river.
2. We need directions ___ the airport.
3. She asked her manager ___ direction on the new policy.

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Frequently asked questions

Is of direction correct English?

Not usually by itself. English normally uses phrases like in the direction of.

When do we use directions for?

Use directions for when talking about instructions for a task, product, or process.

What is the difference between direction and directions?

Direction is often abstract or singular, while directions commonly means instructions or routes.

of, about, against, to or for racism? of, about, for, in or on friendship? of, about, for, on or to thing? of, about, for, to or with sex? of, about, on, to or for moon? "of access" or "with access"? "of accommodation" or "for accommodation"? "of accuracy" or "for accuracy"? "of action" or "in action"? "of actor", "with actor" or "by actor"? "of address" or "to address"? "of administration" or "in administration"?

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