is out of order

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is out of order" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is not functioning properly or is not in the correct sequence. Example: "The elevator is out of order, so please use the stairs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No, Republicans, your "regular order" is out of order.

The Washington Post

'Is the Prime Minister would say he is out of order?' one man wonders.

The Guardian

Anything else today is out of order".

The Guardian

To blame her is out of order.

Independent

Now that is out of order.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The air conditioning is out of order.

The Guardian

She added: "This is out of order.

The Guardian - Business

"The mascot is out of order, isn't he?" Allardyce said.

The Guardian - Sport

The air-conditioning, they soon discover, is out of order.

The New Yorker

(The rest room for "colored" women is out of order).

The New Yorker

Our egg-boiling machine is out of order".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the state of equipment or systems, "is out of order" clearly communicates that something is not functioning as expected. Ensure the context makes it clear what specific item is being referred to.

Common error

While "is out of order" is widely understood, overuse in formal writing can make the text sound less professional. Instead, consider using more precise terms such as "malfunctioning", "inoperative", or "defective" depending on the specific context to provide a clearer understanding of the issue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is out of order" primarily functions as a predicate adjective phrase, describing the state or condition of a noun (typically a machine, system, or process). It indicates that something is not functioning correctly, as demonstrated by Ludwig examples like 'The air conditioning is out of order'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is out of order" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something that isn't functioning correctly. Ludwig AI confirms that it's widely used across various contexts, from news reports to academic papers. While versatile, be mindful of your audience and the tone of your writing; in some cases, more precise terms like "malfunctioning" might be preferable. Knowing when and how to use "is out of order" effectively will enhance the clarity and accuracy of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is malfunctioning

Focuses specifically on the functional aspect of being broken or not working properly.

is not functioning

A more formal way to describe a lack of functionality.

is broken

A simple and direct way to state that something is not working.

is inoperative

A more technical term for being not in operation or not working.

is defective

Highlights that the issue stems from a fault or flaw.

is not working correctly

Emphasizes the improper functioning of something.

is amiss

Indicates that something is wrong or not quite right, not necessarily related to machinery.

is improper

Shifts the meaning to something that is not appropriate or acceptable.

is inappropriate

Similar to "is improper", but emphasizes a lack of suitability for a specific situation.

is disrupted

Implies that a process or system is interrupted or disturbed.

FAQs

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

You can use "is out of order" to describe something that isn't functioning correctly. For example, "The elevator is out of order, please use the stairs" or "The printer is out of order, so I can't print the document right now."

What can I say instead of "is out of order"?

You can use alternatives like "is malfunctioning", "is broken", or "is inoperative" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the system is out of order"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. Saying "the system is out of order" means that the system is not functioning properly or is disrupted. It's a common way to indicate that a system is not working as expected.

What's the difference between "is out of order" and "is out of service"?

"Is out of order" generally refers to a temporary malfunction or breakdown, while "is out of service" often implies a more planned or extended period of unavailability, such as for maintenance or repairs.