in either order

USAGE SUMMARY

"in either order" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that two actions can take place in either order, i.e. the order in which they take place does not matter. For example, "You can put the ingredients into the bowl in either order."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Or both, in either order.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Each narrative contains references to the other, but they can be read separately, and in either order.

The Guardian - Books

The fact that the dances can be performed in either order complicates transition between the two pieces.

The New York Times - Arts

Ortiz and Ramírez had batted third and fourth — in either order — in every one of Boston's 31 postseason games from 2004 through last year.

The New York Times - Sports

Justine Greening, the international development secretary, suggested the party should avoid a contest at all and anoint a Johnson/May joint ticket, in either order.

The Guardian

She also asked her supporters not to choose Corbyn for their second or third preference and to put down Burnham or Cooper in either order instead.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Like ordering supplies — oftentimes reagents are either ordered in excess (resulting in waste) or forgotten about until they're needed (resulting in delays).

TechCrunch

Misuse or diversion of stimulants has been reported in adolescents and young adults in North America, either in order to improve academic performance (studying, staying awake, improved alertness) or in the context of a SUD [ 145, 152, 156].

European Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Last Monday the Football Association issued a statement warning supporters that use of such words could result in either a banning order or even criminal prosecution.

The Guardian - Sport

Thus, a perfect fork could be involved in either the production of order and structure, or the production of changes in order and structure of causal processes.

SEP

Dinosaurs are ubiquitous in advertising; numerous companies have referenced dinosaurs in printed or televised advertisements, either in order to sell their own products or in order to characterize their rivals as slow-moving, dim-witted, or obsolete.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in either order" to clearly indicate that the sequence of steps or options is not important. This can simplify instructions and provide flexibility to the reader or user.

Common error

Avoid using "in either order" when the sequence of events significantly impacts the outcome. If the result varies based on the sequence, clarify the specific requirements instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in either order" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate that the sequence of actions or items is interchangeable. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in either order" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to indicate that the sequence of two actions or items is not critical. As Ludwig AI explains, it's widely accepted in written English. It is commonly used in diverse contexts, particularly in scientific and news-related writing. To ensure clear communication, reserve "in either order" for scenarios where the sequence truly doesn't matter, and always consider whether more specific instructions would enhance clarity. By following these guidelines, you can effectively incorporate "in either order" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in any sequence

Replaces 'either' with 'any' to emphasize a broader range of possible sequences.

in either sequence

Uses "sequence" instead of "order", slightly more formal.

in no particular order

Emphasizes the lack of importance of the order.

order doesn't matter

A more direct and informal way of saying the same thing.

sequence is irrelevant

More formal, emphasizes the irrelevance of the order.

interchangeably

Uses an adverb to indicate that the actions can be done in either order.

regardless of the order

Highlights that the outcome is the same, irrespective of the order.

with flexible sequencing

Focuses on the flexibility of the order.

the order is not important

A straightforward explanation of the interchangeability.

either way around

An informal phrase indicating that the sequence does not impact the outcome.

FAQs

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

You can use "in either order" to indicate that the sequence of two actions or items does not matter. For example, "You can install package A and package B "in either order"."

What's a more informal way to say "in either order"?

Informal alternatives include "it doesn't matter which comes first" or "whichever way you do it".

When should I NOT use "in either order"?

Avoid using "in either order" when the sequence is crucial for achieving the desired result. In such cases, specify the correct order explicitly.

Is "in either order" grammatically correct?

Yes, "in either order" is grammatically correct and widely accepted in both formal and informal writing.