good order

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'good order' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is properly arranged or organized, for example: "The office was in good order, with all the desks neatly arranged and labelled."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

"The horse looks in pretty good order.

The New York Times - Sports

Pietersen looks in good order again.

The Guardian - Sport

Captain Peacock retreated in good order.

The Guardian

But she's in good order, she's a high-quality filly.

The Guardian - Sport

"You need to place a good order," Mr. Lacorazza said.

The New York Times

He's in good order, he worked yesterday and he's fine.

The Guardian - Sport

"Pineau De Re is in really good order," Newland said.

The Guardian - Sport

His license remains in good order, they said.

The New York Times

Ms. Oates's feminist credentials are in good order.

The New York Times - Arts

Her late meltdown apart, Henin's game looked in good order.

Independent

Check that door and window locks are in good order.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal contexts, use "good order" to describe documents or records that are complete and properly filed. Example: "Verify that all financial accounts are in "good order" before the audit."

Common error

While "good order" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in very informal contexts. In casual conversations, consider more colloquial alternatives like "good shape" or "fine condition" to sound more natural. However, the formality depends on who you are speaking to and if they are peers, or senior figures.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "good order" primarily functions as a descriptive term, indicating that something is in a satisfactory or well-maintained state. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. This encompasses physical condition, arrangement, or procedural correctness as illustrated in provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Sport

21%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "good order" is a versatile descriptor indicating that something is in a satisfactory or well-maintained state. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in news, sports, and encyclopedia sources. While "good order" is a neutral-to-professional term, consider more colloquial alternatives like "good condition" for informal settings. Keep in mind that its purpose is to assure or confirm that a standard has been met. Remember to use it when describing the condition of equipment, documents, or processes that need to be in optimal condition, and avoid overusing it in casual conversation. By following these guidelines, you can confidently and effectively use "good order" in your writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

good condition

Highlights the physical state of something being well-maintained.

in good repair

Similar to "good condition" but emphasizes that any necessary repairs have been made.

working order

Specifically refers to the ability of something to function correctly.

proper condition

Focuses on the state of being suitable or functioning correctly.

satisfactory state

Emphasizes that something meets the required standards.

sound state

Suggests that something is structurally and functionally reliable.

decent shape

Indicates that something is in reasonably good condition.

excellent repair

Implies that something has been well-maintained and fixed when necessary.

in tip-top shape

Informal way of saying something is in excellent condition.

orderly fashion

Emphasizes the systematic and organized arrangement of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "good order" to describe something that is properly arranged or functioning correctly. For example, "The equipment is in "good order" and ready for use".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "good order"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "good condition", "working order", or "proper condition" as alternatives to "good order".

When is it appropriate to use "good order" in writing?

"Good order" is appropriate in formal and technical writing where you need to clearly state that something is in the correct or expected condition. It is common in business, legal, and technical contexts.

Is "good order" the same as "in order"?

While both phrases relate to correctness, "in order" generally means things are sequenced correctly or that a command is being followed. "Good order" usually describes the condition or state of something being well-maintained or properly functioning. They are not always interchangeable.