direct
verb (used with object)
to manage or guide by advice, helpful information, instruction, etc..
were directing
-
past progressiveof direct.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Firefighters said miles-long firebreaks had helped to contain the latest break-outs on Thursday night while drones were directing crews to hot spots.
From BBC ● Jul. 24, 2026
Footage from bystanders showed police had cordoned off the scene and were directing beachgoers and drivers away from the area.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 15, 2026
Instead, police were directing cars to Front Street, which runs parallel to the shoreline and had become a "parking lot" of backed-up cars.
From BBC ● Nov. 10, 2023
Deputies were directing traffic Thursday morning due to multiple road closures caused by the storm, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office said on social media.
From Seattle Times ● Oct. 12, 2023
Then they began to come closer, all together, as if some internal voice were directing them.
From "Half of a Yellow Sun" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
