carrying out orders

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "carrying out orders" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of executing or following instructions given by someone in a position of authority. Example: "The soldiers were trained to be disciplined and efficient in carrying out orders from their commanding officer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

"There's a cut-out between those giving and those carrying out orders.

The Economist

And they soften their moral principles when doing a truly dirty job, like carrying out orders to exploit uninformed customers.

The New York Times - Health

Barnard stressed the importance of nonmaterial inducements, which facilitated individuals' carrying out orders without consciously questioning authority.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He shocked Paris and Algiers calling the torture efficient and saying he was only carrying out orders.

The Guardian

"He said he was carrying out orders and he was not a key figure," Ms. Tymoshenko said.

The New York Times

The police were carrying out orders of Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to clear protesters from the park for a rally planned in the park for Sunday.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

He does his duty and carries out orders".

The New York Times - Magazine

The statute of limitations has run out for those who merely carried out orders.

The Economist

One said: "Damian never carried out orders the way anyone expected.

The Guardian

It's strange watching police officers consistently carry out orders they purport to disagree with.

The Guardian - Opinion

Speaking in 1977, the man nicknamed Bomber Harris insisted that he had simply carried out orders.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "carrying out orders", ensure the context clearly indicates the source and nature of the orders. This clarifies who is in authority and what actions are being directed.

Common error

Avoid excessive use of passive voice when using "carrying out orders". While sometimes appropriate, overuse can obscure accountability. Instead of saying "The orders were carried out", specify who carried them out: "The soldiers carried out the orders".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "carrying out orders" is that of a gerund phrase that often acts as a noun or part of a verb phrase, describing the action of executing or following instructions. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "carrying out orders" is a grammatically sound and very common phrase used to describe the execution of tasks as instructed by an authority. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various writing styles. It is most frequently found in news and media, encyclopedias and scientific articles. When using the phrase, be mindful of the context to ensure clarity regarding the source and nature of the orders, and try to avoid over-reliance on passive voice to maintain accountability. Alternatives such as "executing directives" or "following instructions" can be used depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

executing directives

Replaces "carrying out" with "executing", suggesting a more formal or official tone.

implementing commands

Similar to "executing directives", but with a stronger emphasis on authority.

fulfilling directives

Highlights the completion or achievement of the assigned task.

following instructions

Uses simpler vocabulary to convey the same meaning, suitable for broader contexts.

acting on instructions

Emphasizes the action taken based on the given instructions.

obeying orders

Focuses on the aspect of obedience and compliance.

complying with mandates

Suggests adherence to mandatory requirements or official decrees.

performing duties

Broader term referring to the execution of assigned tasks, which may or may not be direct orders.

discharging responsibilities

Focuses on the fulfillment of obligations, which can include carrying out orders.

adhering to guidelines

Implies a more flexible approach to following instructions, focusing on compliance with general principles.

FAQs

What does "carrying out orders" mean?

The phrase "carrying out orders" refers to the act of following instructions or directives given by someone in a position of authority. It implies obedience and execution of assigned tasks.

What can I say instead of "carrying out orders"?

You can use alternatives like "executing directives", "following instructions", or "implementing commands" depending on the context.

Is it acceptable to use "carrying out orders" in formal writing?

Yes, "carrying out orders" is perfectly acceptable in formal writing. However, consider the specific nuance you want to convey and choose the most appropriate alternative if necessary. For example, "executing directives" might be more suitable in a highly formal or official context.

What is the ethical consideration around "carrying out orders"?

The ethical consideration centers on whether the orders themselves are moral and legal. The phrase is often used in discussions about individual responsibility versus obedience to authority, especially when the orders involve questionable actions. The Nuremberg defense, "I was just "carrying out orders"", is frequently invoked in such contexts.