in good order

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in good order" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is organized, prepared, or functioning correctly. For example: "The legal documents were placed in good order prior to review by the court."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

Independent

Pietersen looks in good order again.

The Guardian - Sport

Captain Peacock retreated in good order.

The Guardian

The fund was in good order.

The Guardian

It was pretty small and already in good order.

Columbia University

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

The Guardian - Sport

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

The Guardian - Sport

His license remains in good order, they said.

The New York Times

Still, the Socialists are retreating in good order.

The New York Times

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

The New York Times - Arts

Check that door and window locks are in good order.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in good order" to express that something is well-maintained, organized, or properly arranged, contributing to clear and professional communication.

Common error

Avoid using "in good order" when you mean something is simply 'good' or 'positive'. The phrase specifically denotes arrangement, functionality, or condition, not general quality. Use more descriptive alternatives if you are only referring to quality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in good order" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun by describing its state or condition. Ludwig shows this phrase used to describe states of readiness, organization, or proper condition, as seen in various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Academia

24%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in good order" is a versatile adjectival phrase used to describe something that is properly arranged, functioning well, or in satisfactory condition. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across various contexts, including News & Media and Academia. While suitable alternatives exist, "in good order" provides a clear and professional way to express assurance about the state or condition of something. It is best used when referring to the condition, arrangement, or functionality of objects, documents, or systems, rather than general quality or health. By following the guidance provided, writers can effectively use "in good order" to enhance their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in proper condition

Focuses on the state of something being well-maintained and suitable for its purpose.

well-organized

Emphasizes the arrangement and structure of something.

in working order

Highlights the functional aspect, implying that something is ready for use.

orderly

A shorter, more direct way of saying something is arranged neatly and correctly.

shipshape

Implies neatness and readiness, often used in a nautical context but applicable more broadly.

all squared away

An informal phrase meaning everything is prepared and finalized.

in tiptop shape

Highlights the excellent condition of something, implying it's well-maintained.

well-regulated

Emphasizes the controlled and methodical arrangement of something.

in apple-pie order

Means everything is in perfect order, often referring to cleanliness and neatness.

according to specifications

Focuses on adherence to precise standards or requirements.

FAQs

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

You can use "in good order" to describe something that is properly arranged, functioning well, or in a satisfactory condition. For example, "Ensure all the files are "well-organized" before the audit" or "The equipment was found "in proper condition" after the inspection".

What are some alternatives to saying "in good order"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like ""well-organized"", "in working order", or "shipshape".

Is it redundant to say something is "in good and working order"?

While not strictly redundant, it's often more concise to simply say "in working order" or "in good order", as both phrases imply proper functionality and condition. Using both emphasizes the point but can sound repetitive.

Can "in good order" be used to describe someone's health?

While possible, it's more common to use phrases like "in good health" or "in good shape" when referring to someone's physical condition. "In good order" is typically used for objects, documents, or systems.