Question directed to someone or at someone?

Question

That question was directed at Sasha

OR

That question was directed to Sasha

what is the difference?

Shaun · Accepted Answer · 2011-01-26 04:27:30Z

up vote 3 down vote accepted

The correct usage is at Sasha. You direct at a person, but to a location.

answered Jan 26 '11 at 4:27

Shaun
1,607612

smirkingman · Answer 2 · 2011-01-26 09:06:55Z

As noted above, 'at' is the correct usage.

'to' is appropriate only when the question is going to be sent rather than asked aloud:

After the meeting, the questions were distributed. All the questions about health were directed to Sasha.

kiamlaluno · Answer 3 · 2011-01-26 07:33:17Z

Both are valid.

As reported from the New Oxford American Dictionary,

He directed his criticism at media coverage of the Catholic Church.
I suggest that he direct his remarks to the council.

are both valid and they mean direct a comment/question to or aim a criticism to.

3 Answers