Directly: routes and timing

The idea

Directly can mean by a straight or uninterrupted route. With after, it can mean immediately following an event.

Examples

• The bus goes directly to the harbour.
• Walk directly across the field.
• We flew directly from the island to the city.
• Please return directly after lunch.
• The nurse arrived directly after the call.
• The cyclist rode directly home.

Watch out

A direct route and an immediate action are different meanings; use the context to tell them apart.

Try it yourself

1. Choose the correct word. The train has no change: it goes ___ to the coast. (directly / indirectly)

   Show answer or example answer

   directly

   directly: The bus takes a route without a change.

2. Choose the correct word. Call me at once after the meeting: call ___ after it. (directly / indirectly)

   Show answer or example answer

   directly

   directly: The call follows the meeting at once.

3. Choose the correct word. The route includes a stop elsewhere: we travel ___. (indirectly / directly)

   Show answer or example answer

   indirectly

   indirectly: The route has an intermediate stop.

Use it today

Describe a direct trip and an action just after a meal.