direction of travel

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   The way someone or something is moving or pointing, especially when traveling.

   Grammar: Used with 'the' or 'a': 'the direction of travel'; often after 'in': 'in the direction of travel.'

   Patterns

   • in the direction of travel
   • the direction of travel is
   • change the direction of travel

   Please sit facing the direction of travel so you can see out the front window.

   The compass needle points in the direction of travel.

   Strong winds can change the direction of travel of a hot-air balloon.

2. 2phrasefixed phrasefigurative

   The general way in which a situation, plan, or organization is developing.

   Grammar: Often used in business or politics: 'the direction of travel is clear.'

   Patterns

   • the direction of travel is
   • set the direction of travel
   • the direction of travel for something

   The direction of travel for the company is toward more online sales.

   After the meeting, the direction of travel became clearer: they would cut costs.

   Many voters are unhappy with the direction of travel in the economy.

Common combinations

in the direction of travel

The seats face in the direction of travel.

the direction of travel is clear

After the vote, the direction of travel is clear.

change the direction of travel

A new manager can change the direction of travel of a team.

set the direction of travel

The board set the direction of travel for the next five years.

Synonyms and how they differ

heading

Used mostly for ships, planes, or vehicles to mean the exact direction they are pointing; 'direction of travel' is more general.

course

Often means the path or plan someone follows, especially in formal contexts; 'direction of travel' is similar but more about the way things are going.

trend

Used for changes over time in data or behavior; 'direction of travel' is broader and can refer to physical movement too.

Word family

travel verb

To go from one place to another, especially over a long distance.

direction noun

The way someone or something moves, faces, or develops.

traveler noun

A person who is traveling.

Commonly confused: direction of travel or direction of traffic?

Practice

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Write a sentence using “direction of travel”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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