as they ordered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as they ordered" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something was done according to someone's instructions or requests. Example: "The team completed the project as they ordered, ensuring all specifications were met."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

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

The New Yorker

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

That is why it is worrying that even as they ordered the dismantling of barricades that had been keeping protesters at bay, Bangkok has demanded that the leader of the demonstrators should give himself up to face charges of insurrection.

The Guardian - Opinion

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 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

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

"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

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as they ordered" to clearly indicate that an action was performed based on explicit instructions from a specific group. This avoids ambiguity and reinforces accountability.

Common error

Avoid using "as they ordered" in contexts where the instructions are vague or implied. This phrase is most effective when there's a clear and direct order being followed. Opt for alternatives like "as requested" or "according to their wishes" in less defined situations.

Linguistic Context

Adverbial phrase. The phrase "as they ordered" functions adverbially, modifying a verb to specify that an action was performed following someone's instructions. As seen in the examples provided by Ludwig, it clarifies the manner in which something was done.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as they ordered" is a grammatically correct construction used to convey that an action was performed following specific instructions or commands. Ludwig AI affirms its validity and usability in written English. While not exceptionally common, it appears across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When writing, ensure the context clearly indicates a direct and attributable order, choosing alternatives like "as requested" for less defined scenarios. Ludwig examples show a variety of reputable sources that employ this sentence in different writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

according to their instructions

Emphasizes adherence to specific instructions given.

as they instructed

A direct synonym focusing on the act of instruction.

as per their request

Highlights that an action was performed because of a specific request.

following their directives

Suggests a more formal or official set of commands being followed.

at their behest

Highlights that the action was done at their urging or prompting.

in compliance with their orders

Highlights adherence to a set of orders, often in a structured environment.

in accordance with their specifications

Focuses on meeting detailed requirements or specifications.

pursuant to their command

Indicates a formal command or directive being followed precisely.

as stipulated by them

Emphasizes that the action was a requirement they set.

under their guidance

Implies that the action was guided or supervised by them.

FAQs

How can I use "as they ordered" in a sentence?

Use "as they ordered" to show that an action was carried out following specific instructions or commands given by a particular group. For example, "The soldiers advanced "as they ordered", despite the heavy fire."

What's a more formal alternative to "as they ordered"?

A more formal alternative could be "in accordance with their instructions" or "pursuant to their directives". These options are suitable for professional or official contexts.

When is it inappropriate to use "as they ordered"?

It's less appropriate when the instructions are unclear, implied, or not directly attributable to a specific group. In such cases, use alternatives like "as requested" or "according to their wishes".

Is there a difference between "as they ordered" and "as they requested"?

While both indicate compliance, "as they ordered" implies a more authoritative or formal instruction, while "as they requested" suggests a more polite or voluntary compliance. The best choice depends on the nature of the instruction and the relationship between the parties.