get things in order

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "get things in order" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to organizing or arranging tasks, responsibilities, or items in a systematic way. Example: "Before the event starts, we need to get things in order to ensure everything runs smoothly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

"Got to get things in order".

The New Yorker

"I've got to get things in order," he said.

The New Yorker

Changing the mounting configuration should get things in order.

The New York Times

" I said to him, I'd see him through the election and I wanted to get things in order here and give you some time.

The New York Times

She assured them she'd get things in order, and she did, pulling long hours studying and sleeping only about four to six hours each night during the week.

Princeton University

On Wednesday, the Administration tried to get things in order for the speech by finally acknowledging, in a letter from Attorney General Eric Holder to Senator Patrick Leahy, that it had killed four Americans in drone strikes.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

"Fortunately, we're making a habit of getting things in order in the second half.

The Guardian - Sport

Another aspect of my fantasy was that old age is a consistently satisfying bookend to a shapely arc of a life, a time for getting things in order.

The New Yorker

They had a few months to speak about getting things in order before she passed away, but there were still many questions left.

MIT Technology Review

The second degree: I went back to school but had to withdraw for a while because money was a problem — my parents put me through school — but we got things in order.

The New York Times

Not much happened in the first part, it was all about getting things in order for the big assault (complete with hilariously bad camera zooms on the bullet in an attempt to make the grunt work look exciting).

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "get things in order" when you want to convey a sense of preparation, organization, or readiness before an event, task, or transition.

Common error

Avoid using "get things in order" without clearly defining what 'things' need to be organized. Be specific about the tasks, documents, or arrangements that require attention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get things in order" functions primarily as a phrasal verb used to express the action of organizing, preparing, or arranging tasks, responsibilities, or items. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

16%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Science

16%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "get things in order" is a versatile expression used to describe the process of organizing and preparing for an event, task, or transition. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage. It is prevalent in various contexts, including news, academia, and general discussions. While it can be used formally, it is generally considered neutral in tone. Remember that while the phrase is useful, being specific about what 'things' require organization enhances clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

put in order

Emphasizes the action of placing items in a specific sequence or arrangement.

organize matters

Focuses more on the act of organizing rather than a preparatory action.

arrange affairs

Implies dealing with more formal or important matters needing arrangement.

prepare everything

Highlights the preparatory aspect, ensuring all is ready.

make preparations

Highlights the act of readying oneself for an upcoming event or task.

straighten up

Suggests a more casual and immediate act of tidying.

sort things out

Suggests resolving confusion or problems in addition to organizing.

tidy up

Focuses on making things neat and presentable, often physically.

set the stage

Idiomatic, implying preparation for an event or activity.

streamline operations

Refers specifically to making business or organizational processes more efficient.

FAQs

How can I use "get things in order" in a sentence?

You can use "get things in order" when you need to organize, prepare or arrange tasks, responsibilities, or items. For example: "Before leaving for vacation, I need to "get things in order" at work."

What can I say instead of "get things in order"?

You can use alternatives like "organize matters", "arrange affairs", or "put in order" depending on the context.

What does it mean to "get things in order" before a trip?

To ""get things in order"" before a trip means to finalize your itinerary, pack your luggage, make the needed payments and reservations, and complete any pending assignments.

Is "get my affairs in order" the same as "get things in order"?

"Get my affairs in order" often refers to more serious or formal preparations, such as making a will or handling financial matters, while ""get things in order"" is a more general phrase.