if ordered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if ordered" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a condition under which something will happen or be provided, typically in contexts involving requests or commands. Example: "The item will be shipped to you if ordered before noon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

What would that cost you, if ordered up from reception?

The Guardian - Tech

Cheques delivered next working day if ordered before 1pm.

The Guardian - Travel

Only 68 of the 225 said they would serve in Vietnam if ordered to.

The New Yorker

Totaling $33.45 if ordered à la carte, it was a deal.

The New York Times

But no one knows whether ordinary soldiers, if ordered to fire on unarmed demonstrators, would obey.

The Economist

Would the British Army mutiny if ordered to force the Protestants of Ulster into Home Rule?

Independent

Though he would work again, if ordered, he expects not to.

The Economist

If ordered from the United States, from Amazon.co.uk, it would be $20.80.

The New York Times

It will cost $14.99 on newsstands, or $4.99 plus shipping if ordered online before Monday.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Allergy tests and desensitisation regimes if ordered by doctors, which is a big if identify and fortify the people most at risk.

The Economist

Now, as if ordered by the country's angry creditors, nature is once again venting its wrath on Ecuador.Two of the country's volcanoes are threatening to erupt.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "if ordered" in formal writing, ensure the context clearly indicates who is giving the order. This adds clarity and authority to the statement.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by specifying the limitations or conditions associated with the order. For example, instead of just saying "if ordered", clarify "if ordered by the president" or "if ordered to do so within legal bounds".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if ordered" functions as a conditional clause, introducing a condition that must be met for an action to occur. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "if ordered" is a grammatically sound and frequently used conditional clause that introduces a situation where an action is dependent upon a command or instruction. Ludwig AI analysis, confirmed by numerous examples from reliable sources, shows its prevalence in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying who is giving the order to avoid ambiguity. While alternatives like "when commanded" or "if instructed" exist, "if ordered" remains a straightforward and widely accepted choice for expressing conditionality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if instructed

Synonymous, replacing 'ordered' with a direct synonym 'instructed'.

if so directed

Adds emphasis to the direction or instruction.

when commanded

Replaces "if" with "when", focusing on the timing of the order rather than the condition.

when directed

Focuses on the act of direction or guidance.

upon being instructed

More formal; emphasizes the act of receiving instructions.

as instructed

Focuses on compliance with previous instructions.

should it be requested

Emphasizes the possibility of a request being made.

on command

Shorter, more direct way of saying "if ordered".

contingent on instructions

More formal way of stating the condition.

subject to a directive

Highly formal, used in official or legal contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "if ordered" in a sentence?

You can use "if ordered" to express a condition under which something will happen. For example, "The item will be shipped to you "if ordered before noon"".

What's a less formal alternative to "if ordered"?

In less formal contexts, you could say "if you ask" or "if requested" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it always necessary to specify who is giving the order when using "if ordered"?

While not always necessary, specifying who is giving the order can improve clarity, especially in formal or legal contexts. For example, "if ordered by the court" is more precise than simply "if ordered".

Which is correct, "if ordered" or "when ordered"?

Both are grammatically correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. "If ordered" expresses a condition, while "when ordered" refers to the timing of the order. Use "if" to emphasize the condition and "when" to emphasize the timing.