in order of

USAGE SUMMARY

"in order of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a sequence or ranking of things. For example, "We listed the menu items in order of popularity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(Players are listed in order of merit).

The New York Times

In order of age?

The Guardian - Music

Listed in order of preference.

The New York Times - Food

In Order of Disappearance is out now.

The Guardian - Film

That is done in order of seniority.

The New York Times

Rank these in order of preference.

The New York Times

He lists them, in order of importance.

The Guardian - Tech

Teams listed in order of projected finish.

The Guardian - Sport

Joe Drape listed the horses in order of preference.

The New York Times

These six wines are listed in order of preference.

The New York Times - Style

The following wines are listed in order of preference.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in order of", ensure the criteria for ordering are clear to the reader. For example, specify "in order of importance" or "in order of arrival."

Common error

Avoid using "in order of" without specifying the basis for the order. Vague statements like "arrange the items in order" leave the reader unsure of the intended sequence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in order of" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a specification of the criteria by which something is arranged or sequenced. It sets up the expectation that what follows will be presented according to that specific ordering principle. Ludwig provides examples of this in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in order of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to specify the criteria for sequencing or arranging items. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, ranging from formal news articles to informal wikis. When using "in order of", clarity is crucial; always specify the basis for the ordering, such as "importance", "size", or "date". While simpler alternatives like "by" may suffice in some cases, "in order of" emphasizes the deliberate and structured arrangement of information. Be precise with your criteria and the order will speak for itself.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ranked by

Emphasizes a hierarchical structure based on a specific attribute.

listed by

A neutral phrase describing a simple ordered listing.

arranged by

Focuses on the act of arranging rather than the specific order.

sequenced by

Suggests a specific sequence is followed.

sorted according to

Highlights the sorting process based on a criterion.

categorized by

Focuses on classifying items into groups based on shared characteristics.

following the pattern of

Indicates adherence to a pre-defined pattern or system.

grouped by

Indicates items are arranged into groups that share a common feature.

according to

Implies alignment with a set of rules or guidelines.

based on

Highlights the foundation or criteria used for ordering.

FAQs

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

Use "in order of" to indicate a specific sequence or arrangement. For example, "The names are listed in order of seniority" or "Please rank these tasks in order of priority".

What are some alternatives to "in order of"?

You can use alternatives like "arranged by", "ranked by", or "according to depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "in order of importance"?

While "in order of importance" is common, you could also simply use "by importance" for a more concise phrasing. However, the longer phrase adds emphasis.

When should I use "in order of" versus a simpler preposition like "by"?

Use "in order of" when you want to emphasize the deliberate sequencing or arrangement. "By" is more general; for example, prefer "arranged by size" over "in order of size" in casual contexts.