acting on orders from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "acting on orders from" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone who is following directives or commands given by another person or authority. Example: "The officer was acting on orders from his superior when he made the arrest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In 1987 a Korean Air flight from Baghdad to Seoul was bombed by two agents apparently acting on orders from "Dear Leader" Kim, with a resulting loss of 115 lives.

The Economist

His charges eventually gained publicity through Garry Trudeau's "Doonesbury" comic strip Tells how prison officials, apparently acting on orders from Bush-Quayle staffers, punished Kimberlin for telling his story, and prevented him from talking further with reporters.

The New Yorker

A4 Pakistan Tax Crackdown Beginning today, soldiers and revenue officers acting on orders from the eight-month-old military government will start delivering tax survey forms to businesses and homes in 13 cities to try to learn who owes how much and make them pay.

The New York Times

Second, an Athenian militiaman, apparently acting on orders from conspirators higher in the ranks of the government, assassinated Phrynichus, the leader of the extremist faction.

Wikipedia

Mr Trichet's presence at a CECEI meeting was exceptional it normally concerns itself with technicalities and, according to one witness, his demeanour made it clear that he was acting on orders from above.

The Economist

Brandon Hall, told reporters he was acting on orders from superiors.

The New York Times

Both Mr. Davidge and Ms. Brooks say they were acting on orders from their chairmen.

The New York Times

Mr. Buntangyar was killed on Oct. 13, 2006, when Master Sgt. Troy Anderson, acting on orders from Capt.

The New York Times

Mr. Foster has suggested that Mr. Scully was acting on orders from the White House, possibly from Mr. Badger.

The New York Times

Today, acting on orders from the Bush White House, agency officials pulled back their regulations, leaving many in limbo.

The New York Times

He was acting on orders from two wealthy clients who became so alarmed by the troubled outlook that they simply wanted out.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "acting on orders from", ensure the source of the orders is clearly identified to maintain clarity and accountability.

Common error

Avoid using "acting on orders from" excessively in passive constructions, as it can obscure responsibility. Instead, reframe sentences to highlight who is ultimately responsible for the orders.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acting on orders from" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb, indicating the reason or basis for an action. It specifies that the action was carried out because of instructions or commands received from a superior or other authority. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment of the phrase as grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "acting on orders from" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate that an action was performed because of a directive from someone else. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts, where it's used to explain motivations and assign responsibility. While the phrase itself is relatively neutral in tone, its specific connotation depends on the context in which it's used. When using this phrase, clarity is key: specify the source of the orders whenever possible. Alternatives such as "following instructions from" or "under the direction of" can be used to vary the language while maintaining the same basic meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as instructed by

This alternative focuses on the act of being told what to do.

following instructions from

This alternative highlights the instructional nature of the command.

under command of

This alternative is more concise and direct, emphasizing the commanding authority.

under the direction of

This alternative emphasizes the supervisory aspect of the command.

executing commands from

This alternative emphasizes the act of carrying out the commands.

in compliance with orders from

This alternative stresses adherence to a set of instructions.

guided by instructions from

This alternative highlights the guiding aspect of the orders.

at the behest of

This alternative implies a more formal or authoritative command.

on the authority of

This alternative emphasizes the legitimacy of the command.

pursuant to directives from

This alternative is more formal and legalistic.

FAQs

How can I use "acting on orders from" in a sentence?

You can use "acting on orders from" to indicate that someone performed an action because they were instructed to do so by someone else. For example, "The soldier was acting on orders from his commanding officer."

What are some alternatives to "acting on orders from"?

Some alternatives include "following instructions from", "under the direction of", or "as instructed by".

Is it always necessary to specify who the orders are from when using "acting on orders from"?

While not always strictly necessary, specifying the source of the orders adds clarity and can be crucial in contexts where accountability is important. Omitting the source may lead to ambiguity.

What is the difference between "acting on orders from" and "acting on one's own initiative"?

"Acting on orders from" implies that an action was taken because someone else directed it, while "acting on one's own initiative" means the action was taken independently, without external instruction.