block the order

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "block the order" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to prevent or stop an order from being processed or fulfilled. Example: "Due to a discrepancy in the payment, we need to block the order until the issue is resolved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

A military judge at Guantánamo and later the U.S. Senate moved to block the order, however.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The state of Texas sued to block the order, and a lower court halted it until further review.

The Guardian - Tech

Twenty-six states, led by Texas, won an injunction to block the order, and the government appealed.

The Washington Post

Last month, the Immigration and Naturalization Service ordered the return of the boy to his father, but relatives took the case to court to block the order.

The New York Times

[A16.] Microsoft to Request Delay of Order With less than a week until an antitrust ruling is scheduled to take effect, Microsoft is about to ask Europe's second-highest court to block the order temporarily.

The New York Times

With less than a week to go until a European antitrust ruling is scheduled to take effect, Microsoft is about to ask the second-highest court in Europe to block the order temporarily.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

U.S. federal judges blocked both executive orders on the grounds of being unconstitutional.

Forbes

The judges unanimously decided to keep blocking the order.

The New York Times

But a judge blocked the order on Friday.

The Guardian

A state appeals court blocked the order, pending Allstate's appeal.

The New York Times

Judge after judge blocked the order from going into effect after finding it likely unlawful.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, consider the specific nuance you want to convey: "prevent", "halt", "obstruct", and "impede" offer varying degrees of obstruction compared to simply "block".

Common error

In professional writing, relying solely on "block" can sound repetitive. Use synonyms like "prevent", "halt", or "obstruct" to add variety and precision to your language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "block the order" functions as a verb phrase used to describe an action aimed at preventing the execution or implementation of an official directive. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "block the order" is a grammatically correct and commonly used verb phrase that describes an effort to prevent a directive from being implemented. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media when discussing legal or political resistance. While "block" is a versatile term, considering synonyms like "prevent", "halt", or "obstruct" can add nuance to your writing. While the phrase is correct it's important to check if it suites your writing style or context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prevent the order

Replaces "block" with "prevent", maintaining the meaning of stopping the order from happening.

halt the order

Substitutes "block" with "halt", implying a temporary or permanent stop to the order.

stop the order

Uses "stop" instead of "block", providing a more direct and simple alternative.

obstruct the order

Replaces "block" with "obstruct", suggesting an impediment to the order's progress.

impede the order

Similar to "obstruct", "impede" suggests slowing down or hindering the order.

cancel the order

Indicates a complete reversal of the order, rather than just a temporary halt.

nullify the order

Implies rendering the order invalid or without legal force.

overturn the order

Suggests reversing a previously established order, often through legal means.

countermand the order

Implies reversing an order by someone with superior authority.

invalidate the order

Means to make the order no longer legally valid or enforceable.

FAQs

How can I use "block the order" in a sentence?

You can use "block the order" to indicate an effort to stop an official command or directive. For example, "Several states sued to block the order regarding immigration."

What can I say instead of "block the order"?

You can use alternatives like "prevent the order", "halt the order", or "stop the order" depending on the context.

Is it better to "block the order" or "cancel the order"?

"Block the order" suggests a temporary or ongoing effort to prevent something, while "cancel the order" means to completely reverse or undo it. The better choice depends on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "block the order" and "obstruct the order"?

"Block the order" generally means to stop or prevent it. "Obstruct the order" implies creating difficulties or obstacles that hinder its progress, though it might not completely stop it.