issue an order

USAGE SUMMARY

"issue an order" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is mainly used in formal contexts to mean to give an authoritative instruction or command. For example: "The court issued an order that would reduce the amount of the penalty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

An officer must never issue an order that will not be obeyed, so he must learn to gauge the mood of his men.

The Economist

I was expecting him to issue an order to start building my house".

The New York Times

"Say you have 400,000 refugees and you issue an order to feed them.

The New York Times

Yet the BC court adopts the view that it can issue an order with global effect.

The Guardian - Opinion

One option would be for it to issue an order for a recall.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

At times you'll issue an order only to find that your enemies' actions render it useless.

The Guardian - Tech

The amendment would streamline the process by allowing a federal judge to issue an order.

The New York Times

Judge Huvelle could still issue an order directing that Mr. Jawad be released to Afghanistan.

The New York Times

He did not issue an order on how to repair the problem.

The New York Times

Eventually, Mr. Carper said, officials blindly decided "to issue an order to shelter in place".

The New York Times

Mr Sharif insists that once it is passed the government should simply issue an order.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the specific nuance you want to convey. "Issue an order" is suitable when emphasizing authority and compliance. If seeking collaboration or suggestion, softer language may be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "issue an order" in casual or informal conversations. The phrase's formality can sound overly authoritarian or pompous when a simple request or suggestion would suffice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "issue an order" functions as a performative verb phrase, indicating the act of giving a formal command or directive. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is considered a correct and usable phrase in written English, typically employed in contexts where authority is being exercised.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

12%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "issue an order" is a frequently used phrase that conveys the act of giving a formal command or directive. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is grammatically correct and most appropriate for formal, professional, or news-related contexts. It implies authority and demands compliance, distinguishing it from more suggestive or collaborative forms of communication. When composing formal documents, reports, or legal texts, this expression communicates power and control in a clear and authoritative way. While various alternatives exist to better suit different tones, understanding the appropriate context for "issue an order" is key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

give a command

Replaces "issue" with "give" and "order" with "command", focusing on the act of commanding.

deliver a directive

Substitutes "issue" with "deliver" and "order" with "directive", adding a formal tone.

promulgate a decree

Uses "promulgate" instead of "issue" and "decree" instead of "order", suggesting a formal and authoritative declaration.

hand down a ruling

Employs legal terminology, where a "ruling" is issued by a court or similar authority.

lay down the law

An idiomatic alternative that means to assert authority and give a firm order.

authorize an action

Focuses on granting permission for an action to occur through an official command.

mandate a requirement

Highlights the obligatory nature of the order, emphasizing compliance.

put in place a regulation

Focuses on establishing a formal rule or regulation.

enact a provision

Implies a more formal or legal context, where a provision is put into effect.

direct an instruction

Replaces "order" with "instruction" and "issue" with "direct", suggesting a more guiding nature.

FAQs

What does "issue an order" mean?

To "issue an order" means to give an official instruction or command, typically by someone in a position of authority.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "issue an order"?

It's best to use "issue an order" in formal or professional contexts where there is a clear hierarchy and a need for direct instruction, such as in the military, law, or business.

What are some alternative ways to say "issue an order"?

Alternatives include "give a command", "deliver a directive", or "promulgate a decree" depending on the specific context and level of formality.

Is there a difference between "issue an order" and "give a suggestion"?

Yes, "issue an order" implies authority and demands compliance, while "give a suggestion" is a more informal way of offering advice or a non-binding recommendation.