student asking question

I've heard "Southeast" or "Northwest", but can't I say it in backward? Like "Eastsouth" or "Westnorth"?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

No, it is not common to say it backward like that. It could sound confusing and unnatural to people if you used "eastsouth" or "westnorth". The directions have become fixed phrases within the English language. Ex: Lila, I think we're lost. Shouldn't we head northwest? Ex: The wind is blowing from the southeast!

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