exact order

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exact order" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to a specific sequence that must be followed without any deviation. For example, "Please arrange the items in exact order as listed." Alternative expressions include "precise order" and "specific order."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

There is little consensus, though, on the exact order.

The New York Times - Sports

Trying to follow the exact order of the drivers throughout the race was nearly impossible.

The New York Times - Sports

The miners will decide the exact order one hour before the rescue begins.

The New York Times

Then they spill their memory to recall, say, 120 random words in exact order.

The New York Times - Sports

The death of a child is unmitigated chaos: which writer could ever hope to exact order from it?

The Guardian - Books

And there must be combinations where you didn't have to bet on the exact order of the horses.

The Guardian - Books

His 1984 Harvard PhD included the first method for direct genome sequencing: determining the exact order of nucleotides within DNA.

The Economist

To cash, he must pick the first- and second-place horses in the race, in the exact order (hence the name).

The New York Times - Magazine

With long shots dominating the Derby, the bet -- which requires the player to select the first four finishers in exact order -- paid $864,253.50 for a $1 wager.

The New York Times

Tracks complied with the additions of bets like the exacta (picking the first two horses in a race in exact order) and the trifecta (picking the first three finishers in exact order), but even they were not enough to satisfy people's appetites for potentially huge payoffs.

The New York Times

The cows would have milked themselves at that exact hour, and in that exact order, if they'd been able to and if the humans in charge had overslept.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a multi-step process, ensure clarity by specifying the "exact order" to avoid confusion and errors.

Common error

Don't assume readers will understand the sequence intuitively. Always clarify the "exact order", especially in technical or procedural contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exact order" functions primarily as a modifier clarifying the type of order being referred to. It emphasizes the need for precision and adherence to a particular sequence, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

32%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exact order" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize the importance of following a precise sequence. Ludwig AI indicates its frequent occurrence across news, scientific, and general contexts. When writing, ensure you use "exact order" to clarify procedural or sequential requirements, avoiding ambiguity. While variations like "precise sequence" or "specific sequence" exist, "exact order" directly conveys the need for strict adherence. By being mindful of these guidelines, you can effectively communicate the importance of sequence in various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

precise sequence

Emphasizes the sequential arrangement with a focus on accuracy.

specific sequence

Highlights that the sequence is not just any order, but a predetermined one.

particular order

Similar to "specific sequence", but can imply a reason or purpose for the order.

strict sequence

Stresses the rigidity and lack of flexibility in the required order.

defined order

Focuses on the order being clearly established or determined.

fixed arrangement

Implies a static and unchanging order of elements.

prescribed sequence

Suggests that the order is mandated or required by a rule or authority.

unchanging sequence

Emphasizes the consistency and lack of alteration in the sequence.

correct sequence

Highlights the accuracy and adherence to a predetermined order.

specified arrangement

Implies that the arrangement has been explicitly detailed.

FAQs

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

You can use "exact order" to specify a precise sequence, such as "The instructions must be followed in "exact order" to ensure successful completion."

What's a good alternative to "exact order"?

Alternatives to "exact order" include "precise sequence", "specific sequence", or "particular order" depending on the specific context.

Is it important to specify "exact order" when giving instructions?

Yes, specifying the "exact order" is crucial for clarity and to prevent errors when instructions involve a sequence of steps. Omitting it can lead to misinterpretations and incorrect execution of the task.

What is the difference between "exact order" and "approximate order"?

"Exact order" implies a strict, unchangeable sequence, while "approximate order" suggests a sequence that is not precise and allows for some flexibility or deviation.