backwards in order

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "backwards in order" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a sequence or arrangement that is reversed from the usual or expected order. Example: "To solve the puzzle, you need to arrange the pieces backwards in order."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Sometimes stepping backwards in order to drag and loosen.

The New York Times - Magazine

"But sometimes you have to take a step backwards in order to take a step forward.

The New York Times - Sports

I often walk ahead of her, walking backwards, in order to encourage her.

The New York Times

"Sometimes you take one step backwards in order to take two steps forwards.

The Guardian - Sport

They are always inspiring as you need to glance backwards in order to look forwards.

Independent

Most of the time teams are passing the ball across the pitch or going backwards in order to keep possession.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

And don't be afraid to make sideways or backwards moves in order to follow those interests.

The New York Times

While sitting, the pelvis rotates backwards [14] in order to move the gravity line to the ischia, resulting in an SS close to 0, sometimes even negative.

Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology

They will tackle hazards and obstacles emerging from the future ahead of them, but in a unique (literal) twist will learn that they periodically need to physically turn themselves to look backwards in time in order to evade threats emerging from the past.

BBC

The interesting twist for the aliens in this story is that they have also either evolved a biological ability or developed technology that allows them to send messages backwards in time in order to warn themselves of potential threats to their survival.

TechCrunch

It still has the unique (literal) twist as you'll need to physically turn around to look backwards in time in order to evade threats emerging from the past.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "backwards in order" when describing a specific process or sequence that needs to be reversed for a particular purpose, often to facilitate a subsequent action. For instance, consider the sentence: "To troubleshoot the system, review the steps backwards in order."

Common error

Avoid using "backwards in order" when a simple reversal is sufficient. Overusing the phrase can make writing sound awkward. Instead, use alternatives like "reverse order" or "opposite sequence" for clarity and conciseness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "backwards in order" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to specify the manner in which an action is performed. It indicates that something is done or considered in a reverse sequence, often with a specific purpose. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "backwards in order" serves as a purpose connector, indicating a reversed sequence for a specific reason. While grammatically correct and understandable, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's relatively rare in usage. It appears across various contexts, including news, wiki entries, and scientific writing. When writing, ensure that "backwards in order" is used intentionally to emphasize a specific purpose rather than a simple reversal, and consider more concise alternatives like "in reverse order" for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in reverse sequence

Replaces "backwards" with "reverse" and "order" with "sequence", maintaining the meaning but sounding slightly more formal.

in inverted order

Uses "inverted" to convey the reversed nature, slightly emphasizing the change in arrangement.

in the opposite sequence

Replaces "backwards" with "opposite", highlighting the reversal.

in the reverse direction

Focuses on the directional aspect of moving backwards, suitable when direction is the key element.

with the steps reversed

Emphasizes the reversal of individual steps or actions within a process.

in a retrogression

Implies a movement back to a previous state, differing from the other alternatives by focusing on returning to something.

in an inverse arrangement

Highlights the reversed layout or organization of something.

in a contrary fashion

Highlights the opposing nature of the order, less direct than other options.

conversely arranged

Implies a reversed arrangement, more formal and less common in everyday speech.

in the wrong order

While implying the sequence is backwards, it suggests an error or incorrectness.

FAQs

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

You can use "backwards in order" to describe a process or arrangement that needs to be followed in reverse. For example, "To understand the events, we need to analyze them "backwards in order", starting with the conclusion".

What is a more concise way to say "backwards in order"?

Alternatives to "backwards in order" include "in reverse order" or "in the opposite sequence". Choose the phrase that best fits the context while maintaining clarity.

Which is correct, "backwards in order" or "in backwards order"?

"Backwards in order" and "in backwards order" can both be used, but their application varies. "Backwards in order" often emphasizes the purpose of the reversed process. The phrase "in backwards order" it is more about arrangement.

Is there a difference between "reverse order" and "backwards in order"?

"Reverse order" is a more general term for a sequence that is the opposite of the standard one. "Backwards in order" typically implies doing something in reverse for a specific reason or to achieve a particular outcome. "Reverse order" is usually interchangeable in most scenarios.