What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
steering
Example
He was in charge of steering the ship through the storm. [steering: verb]
Example
The steering wheel of the car was difficult to turn. [steering: noun]
direction
Example
The car was heading in the wrong direction. [direction: noun]
Example
She gave me directions on how to get to the store. [directions: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Direction is more commonly used than steering in everyday language. Direction is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while steering is less common and refers specifically to the act of controlling the direction of a vehicle or vessel.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between steering and direction?
Both steering and direction can be used in formal and informal contexts, but steering may be more associated with technical or specialized language in the context of transportation or navigation.