in the proper order

USAGE SUMMARY

"in the proper order" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that a series of steps or events are occurring in the correct sequence. For example, "He arranged the furniture in the proper order before painting the walls."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Batista would have been out and would have had to bat again in the proper order.

The New York Times - Sports

Each finds one of the letters in a jumbled grid, touching them in the proper order.

The New York Times - Tech

They spent the first 20 minutes learning to put on the costume's overlapping pieces in the proper order.

The New York Times - Sports

It is a cut-and-paste operation, like writing a phrase by snipping the necessary words out of magazines and gluing them together in the proper order.

The New York Times - Tech

They continued their custom of wearing white sweatshirts that, when they were standing side by side in the proper order, spelled out Djokovic's nickname, Nole.

The New York Times - Sports

Each group should write their "new" procedure, keeping the initial basic steps and inserting their new steps, or modifying existing steps, in the proper order.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

For what homosexual lovers want is to give birth to accounts of virtue of a particular sort ones that can be used in "the proper ordering of cities and households" (209a6 7), and so can "make young men better" (210c1 3).

SEP

This would be 12 if the interest is compounded monthly, 365 for daily, etc. Plug the appropriate values in the equation following the proper order of mathematical operations: parenthesis, exponents, and multiplication.

WikiHow

The Huainanzi discusses the most elaborate cosmology up to that time, the position of human beings in the macrocosm, the proper ordering of society, and the ideal of personal sagehood.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Make sure to take in the proper amount of vitamin D in order to avoid the symptoms of deficiency.

WikiHow

Any email you send to the past appears in the proper chronological order in your recipient's inbox.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing instructions, use "in the proper order" to clearly indicate the correct sequence of steps for optimal results.

Common error

Avoid using "in the proper order" when referring to importance rather than sequence. For instance, do not say "addressing these tasks in the proper order of importance" if you mean prioritizing them, not performing them sequentially.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the proper order" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to specify the correct sequence or arrangement of actions or items. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates that steps or events should happen in a specific, correct succession. Examples in Ludwig demonstrate this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in the proper order" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to emphasize the importance of sequence across various contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in instructions and procedures. With a neutral to formal register, it is common in news, science, and wiki contexts. Remember to use it when precision in sequence is crucial and to avoid applying it to matters of importance alone. Exploring related phrases like "in the correct sequence" or "in due order" can further refine your expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the correct sequence

Replaces "proper" with "correct" and "order" with "sequence", emphasizing accuracy in arrangement.

in the right sequence

Substitutes "proper" with "right" and "order" with "sequence", implying a correct order.

in due order

Uses "due" to suggest the appropriate or expected sequence.

in the appropriate sequence

Replaces "proper" with "appropriate", suggesting a suitable order.

in the required order

Highlights that the order is not merely preferred, but necessary or mandatory.

in its proper place

Focuses on physical arrangement or hierarchical position rather than a sequence of actions or steps.

in serial order

Emphasizes a series or sequence of events or items.

in chronological order

Specifically refers to an arrangement by time.

according to protocol

Implies a set of procedures or rules dictating the order.

following the prescribed steps

Highlights adherence to a specific set of steps or instructions.

FAQs

How can I use "in the proper order" in a sentence?

You can use "in the proper order" to emphasize the correct sequence of actions or steps, such as: "Make sure to connect the wires "in the proper order" to avoid short circuits."

What phrases are similar to "in the proper order"?

Alternatives include "in the correct sequence", "in due order", and "in the right sequence", each emphasizing the importance of the correct arrangement or succession.

Is it more appropriate to say "in the proper order" or "in the correct order"?

Both "in the proper order" and "in the correct order" are acceptable. The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific context, as they convey nearly identical meanings.

What's the difference between "in the proper order" and "in the right order"?

The phrases "in the proper order" and "in the right order" are very similar and often interchangeable. "Proper" may imply a slightly more formal or official correctness, while "right" is more general.