ENGLISH
REFERENCE

directing

v.
B1 Intermediate US //daɪˈɹɛktɪŋ// UK //daɪɹˈɛktɪŋ// di·rect·ing

v. showing people where to go or telling actors and workers what to do for a film or play. You use this when you are the person in charge of a project or a path.

v. managing or supervising the operations, performance, or course of something. Often used in the context of artistic control in cinema or theatre, or providing physical orientation to a person.


SIMPLE

She is directing the new school play this year.

CONTEXTUAL

The police officer spent the afternoon directing traffic away from the scene of the accident.

COMPLEX

By directing the viewer's attention toward the subtle shadows in the background, the filmmaker creates a sense of unease without showing the monster directly.

Synonyms
Usage

The verb is transitive and takes a direct object; when used for orientation, it often takes a prepositional phrase starting with 'to' or 'towards'.

Pitfall

He is directing to the actorsHe is directing the actorsWhen meaning to lead or supervise a group, the verb is transitive and does not require a preposition before the object.

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