given orders

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "given orders" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to instructions or commands that have been issued to someone. Example: "The soldiers were given orders to secure the perimeter before nightfall."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The submarine was given orders to suspend its attack.

The New Yorker

The road is cordoned off and you are being given orders, effectively.

The Guardian

"The government has given orders to this effect to the proper authorities".

The New York Times

On May 19, they were given orders to enter the city.

The New York Times

We will close the embassy as soon as we are given orders".

The Guardian

We had been given orders not to let any one through, but I talked them round.

The Guardian

An army spokeswoman said the army's chief of staff had given orders to protect the villagers.

The New York Times

At this point, Two Troop was given orders to move forward.

The Guardian

And if given orders they disagreed with, they complied without complaint.

The New York Times

Newspaper editors were given orders to reflect "a proper Islamic emphasis" in their pages.

The New York Times - Arts

Some were given orders not to fight, so as to avoid a massacre.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "given orders", ensure the context clearly indicates who issued the orders and who received them. This helps to avoid ambiguity and ensures clarity in communication.

Common error

Avoid using "given orders" in a way that obscures who is responsible for issuing the orders. Always clarify the source of the command to maintain accountability and transparency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "given orders" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of issuing commands or instructions. It typically appears in sentences where authority and compliance are relevant. As per Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "given orders" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the act of issuing commands or instructions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is readily usable in written English. Its usage spans various contexts, particularly in news and media, where clarity and directness are valued. While synonyms like "issued instructions" or "provided directives" can offer nuanced variations, the core meaning remains consistent. When employing this phrase, ensure the source and recipient of the orders are clear to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

issued instructions

Replaces "given" with "issued" to emphasize the act of providing instructions.

handed down commands

Uses "handed down" to convey the passing of commands from a superior.

provided directives

Substitutes "orders" with "directives", suggesting a more formal or official instruction.

laid down mandates

Emphasizes the authoritative nature of the orders.

communicated instructions

Focuses on the act of conveying instructions rather than the authority behind them.

stipulated requirements

Highlights the specific requirements that must be followed.

prescribed guidelines

Suggests a set of rules or recommendations that should be adhered to.

decreed regulations

Implies a formal and often legalistic issuance of rules.

authorized actions

Shifts the focus to the permission or authorization granted for certain actions.

enacted policies

Emphasizes the implementation of specific policies through orders.

FAQs

How can I use "given orders" in a sentence?

You can use "given orders" to describe a situation where someone has received instructions. For example, "The soldiers were "given orders" to secure the perimeter."

What is a synonym for "given orders"?

Alternatives to "given orders" include "issued instructions", "handed down commands", or "provided directives".

Is it better to say "received orders" or "given orders"?

The choice between "received orders" and "given orders" depends on the perspective. "Given orders" focuses on the issuer of the command, while "received orders" focuses on the recipient.

What is the difference between "given orders" and "made a request"?

"Given orders" implies authority and a command that must be followed, whereas "made a request" is a polite solicitation that can be refused.