I ordered that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I ordered that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a specific request or command that you have made in the past. Example: "I ordered that the report be completed by Friday, and I expect it to be done on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

I ordered that..

The Guardian

I wanted it to rain! Like, I ordered that!'" In a freewheeling 12-minute set, there were classics (1999, Let's Go Crazy) and covers (Creedence Clearwater Revival's Proud Mary, Dylan via Hendrix's All Along the Watchtower).

The Guardian - Music

I think I ordered that album just to get Klosterman to stop bullying me.

The New York Times - Books

"As of Friday last week, I ordered that a criminal investigation begin … the facts will take us wherever they take us," he said.

The Guardian

I ordered that our programs be reviewed by my national security team and our lawyers, and in some cases I ordered changes in how we did business.

The Guardian

From the progressive tendency, I ordered that duck salad, which sounded like it came straight from the Ottolenghi cookbook, but disappointingly turned out to come straight from the fridge.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

I recently went to a restaurant where I was served a dish that I hadn't ordered that cost $3 more than the one I had asked for.

Forbes

I order that the dog be destroyed immediately".

The New York Times

I order that you have to have 300 miles of environmental clearances,' " said Michael Brady, a lawyer for residents who had sued to halt the project.

The New York Times

"For the reasons set forth below, I am ordering that [redacted] contract be terminated.

Vice

All week long I've been planning to order that dish.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To maintain a professional tone, follow "I ordered that" with a clear and concise statement of what was ordered. Avoid ambiguity to prevent misinterpretation.

Common error

While grammatically sound, using "I ordered that" in casual conversation can sound overly formal or even pompous. Opt for softer alternatives like "I asked for" or "I requested" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I ordered that" functions as a performative utterance, where the act of saying it accomplishes the action of giving an order. This aligns with Ludwig's assessment that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. It is a declarative statement indicating the speaker's command or instruction.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I ordered that" is a grammatically sound construction used to convey a command or instruction issued by the speaker. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is correct and usable in written English. While the phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts, it can also appear in formal and professional settings. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates your authority. Keep in mind that the phrase can sound overly formal in casual conversations; alternatives like "I asked for" may be more appropriate. The most authoritative sources that use this phrase include The Guardian, The New York Times, Wikipedia, Vice, and Forbes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I commanded that

Replaces 'ordered' with 'commanded', implying a more forceful instruction.

I decreed that

Substitutes 'ordered' with 'decreed', suggesting an official or authoritative pronouncement.

I instructed that

Uses 'instructed' instead of 'ordered', indicating a formal direction or teaching.

I stipulated that

Replaces 'ordered' with 'stipulated', suggesting a specific condition or requirement in an agreement.

I directed that

Uses 'directed' instead of 'ordered', implying a formal instruction to someone.

I requested that

Replaces 'ordered' with 'requested', softening the tone to a polite ask.

I arranged for that

Indicates that arrangements or preparations were made for something.

I ensured that

Focuses on guaranteeing a specific outcome or action.

I saw to it that

Highlights personal responsibility in making something happen.

I made certain that

Emphasizes the act of confirming or verifying something to be true or correct.

FAQs

How can I use "I ordered that" in a sentence?

You can use "I ordered that" to express a command or instruction you gave. For example, "I ordered that the documents be delivered immediately".

What is a more formal alternative to "I ordered that"?

A more formal alternative would be "I directed that". For example, "I directed that the investigation commence immediately".

What's the difference between "I requested that" and "I ordered that"?

"I requested that" implies a polite ask, while "I ordered that" implies authority or a command. The former is less forceful. You may want to use "I requested that" in a more collaborative environment.

When is it appropriate to use "I ordered that"?

It's appropriate when you have the authority to give a command or instruction and want to emphasize your directive. It is common to use "I commanded that" in such situations as well.