impose order

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "impose order" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of establishing or enforcing a sense of structure or organization in a situation or environment. Example: "In times of chaos, leaders must impose order to restore stability and ensure the safety of their communities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It can barely impose order.

The New York Times

First, the regulators need to impose order.

The New York Times

But real dictatorships impose order.

The New Yorker

You have to impose order on chaos.

The New York Times - Magazine

Straus was in no hurry to impose order.

The New Yorker

She decided to get in first, to impose order.

The New Yorker

Supporters of a split state asked Delhi to impose order.

The Economist

He has tried to impose order – and has created chaos.

The Guardian - Books

Hence Mr Eizenstat's new campaign to impose order on sanctions.

The Economist

With the world out of control, I was trying to impose order.

The New York Times - Tech

Whom else should he lean on in his struggle to impose order?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add impact, follow "impose order" with a clarifying phrase specifying the means or the area where order is being established, such as "impose order on the budget process" or "impose order through strict regulations".

Common error

Avoid using "impose order" in contexts where a more collaborative or facilitative approach is desired. The phrase can imply authoritarianism, which might not always be the intended message. Consider alternative phrases like "foster cooperation" or "facilitate organization" if the goal is to achieve order through less directive means.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "impose order" functions as a verb phrase. It describes the action of establishing or enforcing a structured or controlled state. As shown by Ludwig, the phrase appears in various contexts, often in news and media when discussing political or social situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

1%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "impose order" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb phrase that describes the act of establishing control or structure. According to Ludwig AI, it commonly appears in neutral registers, particularly within News & Media. While alternatives such as "establish control" or "enforce regulations" exist, it's important to consider the specific context to ensure the chosen phrase accurately reflects the level of control intended. When using "impose order", be mindful of the potential implication of authoritarianism and explore other collaborative wording if needed. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively use "impose order" to convey their intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

establish control

Focuses more on the act of gaining control rather than the state of order itself.

enforce regulations

Specifically refers to the enforcement of rules and regulations.

institute structure

Emphasizes creating a framework or system.

restore discipline

Implies a return to a previous state of order and discipline.

bring stability

Highlights the outcome of establishing order, which is stability.

dictate terms

Suggests a forceful imposition of conditions or rules.

exert authority

Focuses on the exercise of power to maintain control.

lay down the law

An idiomatic expression for establishing firm rules.

take charge

Emphasizes assuming responsibility and control of a situation.

assert dominance

Highlights the act of establishing a superior position.

FAQs

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

You can use "impose order" to describe establishing control or structure in a situation. For example: "The government tried to impose order after the riots", or "The new manager was hired to impose order on the department".

What are some alternatives to "impose order"?

Alternatives to "impose order" include "establish control", "enforce regulations", or "institute structure", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "impose order" or "establish order"?

Both "impose order" and "establish order" are correct, but "impose order" suggests a more forceful or authoritarian action, while "establish order" implies a more gradual or collaborative process.

What does it mean to "impose order on chaos"?

To "impose order on chaos" means to bring structure, control, and predictability to a situation that is disorganized, confusing, and unpredictable. It suggests a strong effort to create stability in a turbulent environment.