ability to order

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ability to order" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to refer to someone's capacity for organizing and controlling things. For example, "He showed great leadership skills, including the ability to order his team effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Tech

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You have the ability to order your broccoli steamed as opposed to sautéed in butter".

The New York Times

Following Watergate, Congress changed the law to eliminate the president's ability to order a disclosure.

The Washington Post

Second, you lose the ability to order pay-per-view movies with your remote control.

The New York Times - Tech

"It's what you build on top, like offers and the ability to order ahead," he said.

The New York Times

One thing that would have impressed them about 2015, though, is the ability to order your own personal hoverbike.

The Guardian - Tech

"And there's tremendous interest in video on demand" -- the ability to order a movie or other program at any time.

The New York Times

One important aim would be to disrupt Mr. Hussein's ability to order the use of weapons of mass destruction.

The New York Times

When customers lose the ability to order ahead, the companies worry, they might never bother to buy at all.

The New York Times

What this generally comes down to is the writer's ability to order their material and tell the story effectively.

The Guardian - Books

Right now, Echo's major advantage is its ability to order items from Amazon.com and its broader smart home capabilities.

The New York Times - Tech

Seamless currently offers a single service: the ability to order food through a Web site or a mobile app.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "ability to order", ensure that the context clearly defines what is being ordered. Specify the items, services, or actions being controlled to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "ability to order" in contexts where a different verb like "request", "command", or "manage" would be more precise. Overusing "order" can make your writing less nuanced.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to order" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the capacity or power to request, control, or arrange something. As Ludwig AI shows, it is found in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Tech

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ability to order" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe the capacity or power to request, control, or arrange something. Ludwig AI confirms its wide acceptance and proper usage across various reputable sources. While versatile, it's essential to specify the context to avoid ambiguity and consider more precise alternatives when appropriate. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, this phrase appears frequently in News & Media, Tech, and Formal & Business contexts, making it a valuable addition to your writing toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capacity to command

Replaces "ability" with "capacity" and "order" with "command", emphasizing control and authority.

power to direct

Substitutes "ability" with "power" and "order" with "direct", highlighting the authority to guide or manage.

right to request

Replaces "ability" with "right" and "order" with "request", focusing on the entitlement to ask for something.

authority to instruct

Changes "ability" to "authority" and "order" to "instruct", implying a formal power to give instructions.

skill to manage

Replaces "ability" with "skill" and "order" with "manage", emphasizing the competence to handle a situation.

authorization to purchase

Focuses specifically on buying something, replacing "order" with "purchase" and ability with authorization.

option to reserve

Suggests a choice to hold something, replacing "order" with "reserve" and ability with option.

facility to book

Highlights ease of booking something, replacing "order" with "book" and ability with facility.

scope to delegate

Implies the extent or range to assign something, replacing "order" with "delegate" and ability with scope.

competence to systematize

Emphasizes the competence to arrange methodically, replacing "order" with "systematize" and ability with competence.

FAQs

What does "ability to order" mean?

The phrase "ability to order" refers to the capacity or power to request, control, or arrange something. It can pertain to various contexts, such as ordering food, commanding a military operation, or organizing information.

How can I use "ability to order" in a sentence?

You can use "ability to order" in sentences like: "The app provides users with the "ability to order" food in advance", or "His position gave him the "ability to order" troops to the front line."

What can I say instead of "ability to order"?

You can use alternatives like "capacity to command", "power to direct", or "right to request" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "ability to order" or "ability for ordering"?

"Ability to order" is the more common and grammatically preferred construction. "Ability for ordering" is less direct and less frequently used.