can be ordered separately

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be ordered separately" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that items or components are available for purchase individually rather than only as a set or package. Example: "The components of the furniture set can be ordered separately if you prefer specific pieces."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Side dishes can be ordered separately and can substitute for the somewhat more expensive starters.

The New York Times

All afternoon tea items can be ordered separately, as well as vegetable samosas, salads and soup of the day.

The New York Times

This is one of several side dishes that can be ordered separately, including a very firm, spicy merguez sausage.

The New York Times - Food

Although all appetizers can be ordered separately, a combination plate of three spreads (the diners' choice) was a particular bargain.

The New York Times

SuperSonic Cheeseburgers — double cheeseburgers with mayonnaise, mustard or ketchup — can be ordered separately ($5.19) or in a combo with tater tots or fries and a soft drink ($7.49).

The New York Times

According to the manufacturer, it is finished with nontoxic water-based lacquer and holds up to 33 pounds; a diaper dispenser ($180), mounted to the right in the photo, can be ordered separately.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Each course is paired with its own sake, and the sakes can also be ordered separately.

The New York Times

Priscilla, above, is $3,900; the fabric can also be ordered separately, for $365 a yard (with a five-yard minimum), or requested as upholstery on another vintage piece.

The New York Times

They can all be ordered separately, but if you are sharing the meal with four or more friends, the assorted platter provides a grand tour of the interaction of pork, salt and time.

The New York Times

The testing offered by some providers combines ancestry and disease risk modification, although the two can often be ordered separately.

Genome Medicine

At Oiji, kimchi must be ordered separately.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When offering multiple options, clearly state which items “can be ordered separately” to avoid customer confusion. This clarifies that they are not exclusively part of a bundle.

Common error

Don't assume customers know items “can be ordered separately”. Explicitly state this option, especially when items are often sold together.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be ordered separately" functions as a descriptive modifier, indicating that items or components are available for individual purchase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for use in written English. It clarifies options for customers, as shown in examples regarding side dishes and accessories.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Unknown

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "can be ordered separately" is a grammatically sound and functional expression used to indicate that items are available for individual purchase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for use in written English. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, but also sees use in science, and wiki sources. To ensure clarity, explicitly state which items "can be ordered separately", especially when combined in packages. Alternatives like "available individually" or "sold separately" can be used based on the specific nuance desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

available individually

Focuses on the individual availability rather than the ordering process.

sold separately

Highlights the selling aspect of being available individually.

can be bought separately

Replaces "ordered" with "bought", emphasizing the purchasing action.

available as a standalone item

Emphasizes that the item can be acquired independently.

offered a la carte

Uses a culinary term to indicate items are offered individually.

can be acquired independently

Focuses on the acquisition of the item separately.

listed as individual components

Highlights that the components are distinctly listed.

each item is available for purchase

More descriptive, specifying that each item can be bought.

components sold individually

Focuses on the 'components' and that they can be bought alone.

separate purchase option available

Highlights that there's an option for buying separately.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "can be ordered separately"?

It means that the item is available for individual purchase and doesn't necessarily have to be bought as part of a set or package.

What can I say instead of "can be ordered separately"?

You can use alternatives like "available individually", "sold separately", or "can be bought separately" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "can be ordered separately" or "is available separately"?

Both phrases are correct, but "can be ordered separately" emphasizes the action of ordering, while "is available separately" emphasizes the availability of the item. The best choice depends on the specific context.

In what situations would you say something "can be ordered separately"?

This phrase is often used in menus, product descriptions, and service agreements to clarify that items or services are not exclusively bundled and offer flexibility to customers.