directed to vs directed at

'Directed to' and 'directed at' are both acceptable phrases, but they would be used in somewhat dissimilar contexts. 'Directed to' is commonly used when referring to a target or destination, while 'directed at' is often used when talking about aiming or focusing on a specific person or thing. The choice between the two depends on the intended meaning of the sentence.

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Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: March 06, 2025 • 6507 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"directed to "

This phrase is used when referring to a target or destination. It indicates the direction of something or someone.

Examples:

The letter was directed to the CEO of the company.
The teacher directed her question to the entire class.
The road sign was directed to the nearest gas station.
The email was directed to the marketing department.
The attention of the audience was directed to the stage.

Show examples from the web [+]

be directed to. star. see definition of be directed to. Font size. X. Aa. Aa. Aa. Aa. Aa. show. all, verb. as in refer. prev next. answer ...
4. order, command, instruct, charge, demand, require, bid, enjoin, adjure They have been directed to give special attention to poverty. 5. address, send, mail, ...
Jan 26, 2011 ... Question directed to someone or at someone? ... the questions were distributed. All the questions about health were directed to Sasha.
My point is directed to you because I know the matter is of great concern to you. Mi observación va dirigida a usted, porque sé que el tema le interesa mucho.

Alternatives:

addressed to
aimed at
sent to
intended for
targeted at

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"directed at"

This phrase is used when talking about aiming or focusing on a specific person or thing. It implies a sense of targeting or intention.

Examples:

Her anger was directed at him.
The criticism was directed at the government's policies.
The speech was directed at inspiring the audience.
The blame was directed at the wrong person.
The comments were directed at improving the product.

Show examples from the web [+]

2. direct - intend (something) to move towards a certain goal; "He aimed his fists towards his opponent's face"; "criticism directed at her superior"; "direct your ...
Oct 23, 2011 ... There is a slight difference in meaning between 'at' and 'towards'. 'At' gives an aggressive sense, eg 'His snide remarks were directed at her.
1 day ago ... While much has been directed at Byron Scott and Jim Buss, general manager Mitch Kupchak has escaped the criticism for the most part.
18 hours ago ... They focus on really weird things.” And the beauty pageant remark? “That was directed at anybody that thinks it's a beauty pageant. Obviously ...

Alternatives:

aimed at
focused on
targeted at
intended for
pointed at

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directed to vs directed at

"directed to "

"directed at"

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