a blanket order

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a blanket order" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a directive or command that applies universally to a group or situation without exceptions. Example: "The manager issued a blanket order to all employees to work from home until further notice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

"This is not a blanket order to target the Taliban," another official said.

The Washington Post

He said the entire university staff of 15,000 had been issued a blanket order not to destroy or shred documents.

The New York Times

But Mr. Cheney rejected these offers and is instead seeking a blanket order that he does not need to release the names.

The New York Times

At least in my reading of immigration history, a blanket order that temporarily bans refugees and all visitors or immigrants from seven Muslim countries, without exception, is quite extraordinary.

Stanford University

The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey sued the Immigration and Naturalization Service in Federal District Court here in March on behalf of several New Jersey newspapers, seeking to overturn a blanket order that hearings for all so-called special interest cases be held in secret.

The New York Times

However, the official cautioned: "This is not a blanket order to target the Taliban".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Both CEOs insisted that their companies were not under any blanket order to disclose data to authorities, such as the one reportedly affecting Verizon, the telecom provider.

HuffPost

Last year, McAuliffe signed an executive order restoring voting rights to 200,000 former felons, but the Virginia Supreme Court ruled that he could not issue such a broad blanket order.

Huffington Post

A draft blanket order by Judith Clark, presiding judge of Riverside's Juvenile Court, would not allow so-called contact visits between attorneys and their young clients at two Riverside courts that hear juvenile cases.

Los Angeles Times

Accounts Payable will start the payment process for the transaction upon receiving an invoice listing the blanket order number.

Stanford University

(The only other similar blanket order came a few years later, when the word "Jap" on place names was changed to "Japanese").

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a blanket order", ensure that the scope and implications of the order are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity and unintended consequences.

Common error

Avoid applying "a blanket order" to situations that require nuanced or individualized approaches. Consider whether exceptions or exemptions are necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a blanket order" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a type of command or directive. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"A blanket order" is a noun phrase denoting a widespread, all-encompassing directive. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. While not as common as other similar phrases, it is frequently found in news and media, as well as academic contexts. It's important to use this phrase when conveying the idea of a command or policy that applies universally, but to consider more specific terms when nuance is required. The phrase should be used with caution in situations that may need exceptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sweeping decree

Emphasizes the wide-ranging impact and authoritative nature of the order.

a comprehensive mandate

Highlights the inclusive and obligatory aspect of the directive.

a universal command

Stresses the all-encompassing and compulsory character of the instruction.

a general injunction

Implies a prohibition or requirement applicable across the board.

an overarching rule

Focuses on the supreme and governing nature of the regulation.

a wholesale directive

Suggests a complete and indiscriminate instruction.

a total prohibition

Highlights the restrictive and absolute nature of the ban.

an across-the-board policy

Emphasizes the equal application of the regulation to everyone.

a widespread regulation

Focuses on how broad the effect is.

a global mandate

Highlights the global reach or intention behind the directive.

FAQs

What does "a blanket order" mean?

A "blanket order" refers to a directive or command that applies universally to a group or situation, without exceptions. It is a broad, all-encompassing instruction.

How can I use "a blanket order" in a sentence?

You can use "a blanket order" to describe a wide-ranging instruction. For example: "The company issued "a blanket order" requiring all employees to attend the training session."

What can I say instead of "a blanket order"?

You can use alternatives like "a sweeping decree", "a comprehensive mandate", or "a universal command" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a blanket order" in formal writing?

Yes, "a blanket order" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when discussing legal, administrative, or organizational directives. However, ensure the context warrants such a broad term, as specific instructions are often more effective.