back in order

USAGE SUMMARY

"back in order" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation that has been set back to its original state/arrangement. For example: After the storm passed, the trees in the park were all put back in order.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Needs to get finances back in order.

Independent

Jumbled events are put back in order.

The Economist

We need to get that back in order somehow".

The New York Times

"His tree trunks are back in order," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

"Yes, girl with lizard, now everything's back in order".

The New Yorker

You have to step back in order to jump.

The New Yorker

We need to get the rotation back in order and healthy".

The New York Times - Sports

"But for right now I just want to put my life back in order".

The New Yorker

One possibility is to go back in order to go forward.

The New Yorker

"He called every kid into the cafeteria and said, 'Program's back in order.

The New York Times

There is an inherent problem with going back in order to move ahead.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing complex situations that require a formal tone it is recommended to replace the expression with more sophisticated and formal alternatives such as "restored to normal", "returned to form" or "back on track".

Common error

Avoid using "back in order" when you simply mean that something is neat or tidy for the first time. The phrase implies a restoration, not an initial arrangement. Ensure there's a previous state of order to which something is returning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "back in order" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes a state of restoration or return to a previously organized or functional condition. For example, "get the rotation back in order and healthy".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Sports

21%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "back in order" is a common and generally neutral expression used to describe the restoration of something to its original or correct state. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently used in contexts ranging from news and media to sports and lifestyle. While versatile, it's important to use it accurately, ensuring it signifies a restoration rather than an initial arrangement. Consider alternatives like "restored to normal" or "returned to form" for more formal situations. Ultimately, understanding its nuanced meaning ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

restored to normal

Emphasizes the return to a typical or expected condition.

returned to form

Suggests a recovery of previous performance or condition, often in a sporting or personal context.

back on track

Implies a recovery from a deviation and a return to the intended path or plan.

sorted out

Indicates that problems have been resolved and things are now organized.

set right

Focuses on correcting what was wrong or disordered.

in good shape again

Describes a positive return to a healthy or functional state.

back to where it was

Highlights the return to a former condition or state.

straightened out

Implies a removal of confusion or disorder.

back in working order

Specifically refers to the restoration of functionality in a system or device.

put in its place

Describes bringing something to the location where is supossed to be

FAQs

How can I use "back in order" in a sentence?

You can use "back in order" to describe a return to a previous state of organization or functionality. For example, "After the renovation, the library was finally "restored to normal" and the books were "back in order"".

What phrases are similar to "back in order"?

Similar phrases include "restored to normal", "returned to form", and "back on track". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "back in order"?

It's appropriate when describing a situation that has been corrected or restored after a period of disarray or malfunction. It implies that there was a previous state of order that has been reestablished.

Is "back in order" formal or informal?

The phrase is generally considered neutral and can be used in a variety of contexts, though more formal situations might benefit from alternatives like "restored to normal" or "returned to form".