as they order

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as they order" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is done in accordance with the requests or commands given by someone. Example: "The team will proceed with the project as they order, ensuring all specifications are met."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

And on Friday mornings, as they order meat for weekend picnics, they can even hear a few melodies of yore.

The New York Times

Wise diners will, as they order the sole, also ask for the preparation of a soufflé for dessert, perhaps the one scented with Grand Marnier.

The New York Times - Food

It's not unusual to see women doing their shopping in a full dress/feather boa or cowboys swinging rifles over their shoulders as they order a cool sarsaparilla from the saloon bar.

The Guardian - Travel

Lunch and brunch are becoming indistinguishable, as diners scan longer, more adventurous menus that go beyond "omelets your way," as they order small plates or large plates — perhaps even oysters or duck — according to whim, pocketbook or appetite.

The New York Times - Travel

"If I can't get to enjoy Kasabian, then NOBODY shall," they are not doubt muttering to themselves, as they order in a few extra heavy clouds to unleash the moment Tom Meighan steps onstage.

The Guardian - Music

Synthetic biologists plan to move lots of genes and to industrialise the process in a way that will let people order biological parts as routinely as they order electrical components.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Theatre commanders were authorized to order bottling plants, much as they ordered ammunition.

The New Yorker

The teenagers wandered in, chatting about their night as they ordered crullers, bagels and cream cheese.

The New York Times

Ms Somaly, aged around nine at the time, remembers soldiers firing in the air as they ordered people to board trains.

Independent

When, once in office, President Kabila did not do as they ordered, the two invading presidents tried to oust him, but they failed and then fell out over their aims in Congo.

The Economist

Even the music that greeted Hodgins and O'Rawe as they ordered pre-lunch drinks – including Irish whiskey (the jail will soon be home to a new Belfast distillery of its own) – seemed weirdly appropriate.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as they order" to clearly indicate that an action is directly dependent on someone's specific instructions or preferences. This is especially effective in procedural descriptions or when emphasizing responsiveness to customer demands.

Common error

Avoid using "as they order" when the intended meaning is simply a result of their decision, not a directly instructed action. For example, instead of saying "Mistakes happen as they order more and more products", consider a construction that highlights causality: "Mistakes happen because they are ordering more and more products".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as they order" functions as a subordinating conjunction, connecting a dependent clause to an independent clause. It indicates that an action or event occurs simultaneously with, or as a direct result of, someone placing an order. As shown in the Ludwig examples, this phrase helps to establish a temporal or conditional relationship between the order and the subsequent action.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

18%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as they order" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate that something happens in direct response to a request or command. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is versatile and can be applied across various contexts, including news reporting and general informative writing. To ensure clarity and precision, it is important to use the phrase when describing a direct consequence of an order being placed. Remember to consider alternatives like "in accordance with their instructions" for more formal contexts and avoid misusing it to describe simple causal relationships. By following these guidelines, you can effectively incorporate "as they order" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

according to their order

Replaces the conjunction "as" with "according to", emphasizing adherence to a specific instruction.

following their instructions

Replaces "order" with the more general term "instructions", focusing on guidance rather than command.

based on their request

Substitutes "order" with "request", framing the action as a response to a less formal solicitation.

as per their specification

Emphasizes that actions are carried out exactly to pre-defined specifications.

upon their command

Replaces "order" with "command", implying a more authoritative or hierarchical relationship.

in compliance with their directive

Uses more formal vocabulary, like "compliance" and "directive", to convey a sense of obligation or authority.

in line with what they stipulate

Uses "stipulate" to suggest a formal or contractual agreement regarding the order.

consistent with their arrangement

Suggests a prior agreement or understanding that dictates the order of events.

subject to their requisition

Uses "requisition" to denote a formal demand or procurement process.

contingent on their decree

Emphasizes the decisiveness and authoritative nature of the order.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "as they order" to sound more formal?

To sound more formal, consider using phrases like "in accordance with their instructions", "pursuant to their directives", or "consistent with their specifications".

Is there a subtle difference in meaning between "as they order" and "as they request"?

Yes, "as they order" implies a degree of authority or formality, suggesting a command or structured instruction. "As they request", on the other hand, is generally more informal and suggests a polite solicitation.

What's a common mistake to avoid when using the phrase "as they order"?

A common mistake is to use "as they order" when the intended meaning is better conveyed by a simple causal relationship. For instance, using "because" or "since" might be more appropriate if you're describing a consequence rather than a directed action.

Are there situations where "as they order" might sound awkward or unnatural?

Yes, it can sound awkward if the context doesn't involve a direct instruction or command. For example, saying "The flowers bloom as they order sunshine" would be unnatural; a more fitting phrase would describe the causal relationship, such as "The flowers bloom because they receive sunshine".