executive order

USAGE SUMMARY

"executive order" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an official order issued by a head of state, government, or other authority. For example: The President issued an Executive Order that all state offices be closed on the fourth of July.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But executive order is another possibility.

The New York Times

Executive Order 10062, supra.

Cornell University

Executive Order Nos.

Cornell University

In March, Obama issued another executive order.

The New Yorker

It's an executive order.

The New York Times

Then came Trump's executive order.

The New Yorker

Mr. Obama, in an executive order on Jan.

The New York Times

Gerald R. Ford officially repealed Executive Order 9066.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The result was Roosevelt's Executive Order 9066.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Executive Order 12046, referred to in subsec.

Cornell University

Executive Order 13141, referred to in subsec.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure you reference the specific number or date of the "executive order" for clarity and to avoid ambiguity, especially in legal or academic contexts.

Common error

Avoid assuming an "executive order" has the same force as a law passed by the legislature. While impactful, it's subject to legal challenges and can be overturned by subsequent administrations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "executive order" functions as a noun phrase, specifically a compound noun, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its use in numerous contexts, highlighting its role in describing official governmental actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "executive order" refers to a legally enforceable directive issued by the head of the executive branch of government. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various domains including news, academia, and encyclopedias. While it is a common term, it's important to remember that "executive orders" differ from laws passed by a legislature, as they do not require congressional approval and can be subject to legal challenges. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the order's number or date. Alternative phrases include "presidential decree" or "official directive". The term has a neutral register, lending itself to broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

presidential decree

Emphasizes the official and formal nature of the order, specifically linking it to the president.

official directive

Focuses on the authoritative and formal aspect of the instruction.

mandate from the executive branch

Highlights the source and scope of the order, specifying its origin within the executive branch.

presidential mandate

A presidential mandate is a directive given by a president that has some popular backing.

government order

A broader term that applies to directives from any level of government.

decree by the chief executive

Similar to "presidential decree", but emphasizes the executive's role.

ruling from the administration

Highlights that the order comes from the current governing body.

edict of the president

Uses a more formal and somewhat archaic term for an official order.

administrative order

Focuses on the administrative function and authority behind the order.

order in council

Term more commonly used in Commonwealth countries for an order issued by the head of state on the advice of the executive council.

FAQs

What is the purpose of an "executive order"?

An "executive order" is a legally enforceable order issued by the head of the executive branch to direct federal employees and agencies in their execution of laws. It is a tool used by presidents to manage operations of the federal government.

How does an "executive order" differ from a law?

An "executive order" is issued by the president and does not require congressional approval, unlike a law. However, an executive order generally applies only to the executive branch and can be challenged in court or overturned by subsequent presidents, while a law requires congressional approval.

Can Congress overturn an "executive order"?

Congress cannot directly overturn an "executive order", but it can pass legislation that overrides it or limits its scope. Additionally, Congress can refuse to fund the implementation of an executive order.

What are some examples of historical "executive orders"?

Notable examples include President Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, President Roosevelt's Executive Order 9066 concerning Japanese-American internment, and President Truman's order desegregating the military. More recent examples include President Obama's "ethics commitments by executive branch personnel" and President Trump's "executive order on immigration".