at the order of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the order of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that an action is being taken as a result of a command or request from someone in authority. Example: "The documents were prepared at the order of the CEO, who required them for the upcoming meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The French later destroyed the aircraft, apparently at the order of President Jacques Chirac.

The New York Times

But the military acts at the order of the commander in chief, not on its own.

The New York Times - Magazine

Harris had his CBE annulled at the order of the Queen after his conviction.

The Guardian

Artaxerxes was poisoned by his physician at the order of the eunuch Bagoas.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Harris subsequently had his CBE annulled at the order of the Queen following his conviction.

Independent

At the order of the Ashkenazi chief rabbi, Israel Meir Lau, a delegation of rabbis travelled to Peru.

The Guardian

Finally at the order of Philip le Bel of France the leaders were arrested and most of them executed.

The New Yorker

In the beginning, I made mostly commercial films, at the order of the production company or some financier.

The New York Times

Through independent diplomacy, Adams kept the quarrel from spreading and at the order of Congress disbanded the provisional army.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His enemies accused him of taking sides against the Habsburgs, and, at the order of Maximilian II, he was arrested.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Consecrated in 9 B.C., the altar was finally restored from fragments in 1938 and placed in a building constructed at the order of Mussolini.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the order of" to clearly indicate that an action was carried out because someone in a position of authority instructed it. This ensures clarity about responsibility and compliance.

Common error

Avoid using "at the order of" if the action was merely a suggestion or request, not a direct command. Using it in such contexts can exaggerate the authority involved and mislead the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the order of" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb, indicating the reason or impetus behind an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it demonstrates that an action was performed because of a command or instruction. It provides context and attribution for the action described.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at the order of" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate that an action was performed due to a command or instruction from someone in authority. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and offers several examples demonstrating its diverse usage. Predominantly found in news and encyclopedic contexts, it serves to attribute responsibility for actions to those in charge. Related phrases such as "upon the command of" and "under the direction of" offer similar meanings, while potential errors in usage should be avoided by accurately attributing the origin of the instruction. When using the phrase, it's useful to remember to avoid using it if the action was merely a suggestion and not a direct command.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under the direction of

Focuses on guidance or supervision during the action.

upon the command of

Emphasizes the authoritative nature of the instruction.

on the instructions of

Highlights the instructional aspect of the directive.

as directed by

Implies adherence to specific directions given by someone.

pursuant to the instructions of

A more formal way of saying 'according to instructions', highlighting legal or official compliance.

following the decree of

This refers to a formal order or decision, often legal or official.

by mandate of

Suggests that the action is carried out due to a formal requirement or instruction, often from an official body.

as per the request of

Indicates that the action is being done because someone asked for it.

at someone's bidding

Emphasizes obedience or subservience in carrying out the action.

on someone's authority

The action is being done with the permission or endorsement of a specific individual.

FAQs

How can I use "at the order of" in a sentence?

Use "at the order of" to show that an action was performed because someone in authority commanded it. For example, "The troops moved out "at the order of" the general."

What phrases are similar to "at the order of"?

Similar phrases include "under the direction of", "upon the command of", or "on the instructions of", all indicating that an action is being done because someone told you to do it.

Is it correct to say "by the order of" instead of "at the order of"?

While "by order of" is also correct, "at the order of" emphasizes the instruction or command as the direct cause of the action. "By order of" is more commonly used in formal announcements.

What's the nuance between "at the request of" and "at the order of"?

"At the request of" implies a polite request, while "at the order of" indicates a command or directive from an authority. The choice depends on whether the action was a favor or an obligation.