an orderly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an orderly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is organized or follows a structured approach, often in a professional or formal context. Example: "The event was managed by an orderly who ensured that everything ran smoothly and on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Lloyd was an orderly.

The New Yorker

Form an orderly queue, gents.

The New York Times

This was an orderly man.

The New Yorker

It was an orderly process.

The New Yorker

Or an orderly queue.

The Guardian

It's an orderly procession.

The New Yorker

We want to see an orderly transition".

The New York Times

Preparation, an orderly mechanism and financial support.

The New York Times

Many want change in an orderly fashion.

The Economist

Go West Form an orderly queue!

Independent

Why not demand an orderly queue?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an orderly" to describe a process or transition, ensure the context clearly indicates the desired outcome of the order or structure. For instance, specify what benefits arise from "an orderly" transition, such as stability or reduced risk.

Common error

Avoid using "an orderly" without specifying what aspect is organized or structured. For example, instead of just saying "it was an orderly event", clarify what made it orderly, such as "an orderly seating arrangement" or "an orderly flow of traffic".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an orderly" functions primarily as an adjective modifying a noun. As Ludwig AI confirms, the construction is grammatically correct and frequently used. It indicates that the noun it modifies possesses the quality of being organized, structured, or controlled.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an orderly" is a grammatically sound phrase used as an adjective to describe something organized or structured. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use. The phrase is common in news, media, and scientific contexts, conveying a sense of control and systematic approach. To ensure clarity, it's best practice to specify the aspect being organized. While alternatives like "structured" or "systematic" exist, the choice depends on the specific context. Remembering these points will help you effectively use "an orderly" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a structured

Focuses on the presence of a defined arrangement or organization.

a systematic

Emphasizes the use of a methodical approach.

a well-organized

Highlights the effectiveness of the organization.

a disciplined

Suggests adherence to rules and procedures.

a methodical

Implies a careful and systematic approach to tasks.

a regulated

Focuses on control and adherence to standards.

a neat

Emphasizes cleanliness and order.

a tidy

Similar to "neat", but can also refer to being well-arranged.

a planned

Highlights that something has been thought out and prepared in advance.

a controlled

Emphasizes the management and regulation of something to maintain order.

FAQs

How can I use "an orderly" in a sentence?

You can use "an orderly" to describe something characterized by organization, structure, or control. For example, "The protesters maintained "an orderly procession"", or "The company implemented "an orderly transition" after the merger".

What are some alternatives to "an orderly"?

Alternatives include "structured", "systematic", or "well-organized". The best choice depends on the specific context. For example, instead of "an orderly queue", you could say "a well-organized queue".

When is it appropriate to use "an orderly" instead of just "orderly"?

Use "an orderly" when referring to a singular instance or example of order. For instance, "an orderly process" refers to a single, specific process that is orderly. "Orderly", without the article, can be used as a general adjective: "They valued orderly conduct".

What's the difference between "an orderly" and "a chaotic" situation?

"An orderly" situation is characterized by structure, control, and predictability, whereas "a chaotic situation" is marked by disorder, confusion, and a lack of control. The terms represent opposite ends of a spectrum.