it is on the order

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is on the order" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a level of magnitude, quantity, or degree in comparison to something else. Example: "The cost of the project is on the order of $10,000, which is within our budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

It is reasonable to consider that weights based on PC-I scores might be better than measuring the crushed juvenile skull: a weight of 660 g for an adult Darwinius is about twice that estimated from skull length alone, and it is on the order of one-half that estimated from tooth size.

Plosone

It is on the order of 10 to 104 emu/cm3.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is on the order of 'Birth of a Nation,' as far as the impression referred to is concerned".

The New York Times

The reconfiguration time of the first two communication mechanisms is on the order of nanoseconds, while for the third mechanism it is on the order of milliseconds.

Journal of Parallel and Distributed Computing

In the pure (i.e., undoped) classic superconductors ξ is on the order of a few thousand angstroms, but in the high-Tc superconductors it is on the order of 1 to 10 angstroms.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is difficult to estimate the roughness accurately but it is on the order of a centimetre.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

I mean, it's on the order of one in a million of acquiring West Nile infection.

The New York Times - Magazine

And while we did have visitors to the farm during the summer season, it was on the order of one or two per day, mostly people curious to see who had bought the house and started farming.

HuffPost

"It's on the order paper for next Tuesday.

The Guardian

If you look at oil palm, it was on the order of 600 gallons per acre.

Cornell University

"It's on the order of a few tenths of a percent off growth of G.D.P.," he said, referring to gross domestic product.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is on the order of", ensure the context clearly establishes what you are approximating. Providing specific examples or comparisons can enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid following "it is on the order of" with excessively precise numbers. The phrase implies an approximation, so precise figures can be misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is on the order of" functions as an approximative expression, indicating that a certain value, quantity, or magnitude is being estimated. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is on the order of" is a common and grammatically correct way to express approximation. Ludwig confirms its usability across various contexts, including science, news, and academia. It serves to provide an estimate of magnitude or quantity without requiring exact precision. While it's important to avoid using precise numbers directly after the phrase, as this contradicts its approximative nature. Related alternatives include phrases like "it is approximately", "it is around", and "it is roughly".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is approximately

Replaces the phrase with a more direct synonym for estimation.

it is roughly

Provides a simple and casual way to express approximation.

it is around

Offers a less formal way to indicate an approximate value.

it is about

Uses a common and concise way to indicate an estimate.

it is in the vicinity of

Presents a more formal and precise alternative for approximation.

it is close to

Suggests nearness or proximity in value or quantity.

it is something like

Offers a more informal way to convey similarity.

it is of the magnitude of

Emphasizes the scale or size being discussed.

it is comparable to

Highlights the similarity in size, degree, or nature.

it is on a par with

Implies equality in status or quality.

FAQs

How can I use "it is on the order of" in a sentence?

Use "it is on the order of" to indicate an approximate quantity, magnitude, or degree. For example, "The project's budget is on the order of $1 million" suggests the budget is approximately $1 million.

What phrases can I use instead of "it is on the order of"?

Alternatives include "it is approximately", "it is around", or "it is roughly", depending on the level of formality you need.

Is it better to say "it is on the order of" or "it is in the order of"?

"It is on the order of" is the correct and more common phrasing. "It is in the order of" implies a sequence or arrangement, not an approximation.

What's the difference between "it is on the order of" and "it is of the order of"?

While both phrases convey approximation, "it is on the order of" is more frequently used and considered more natural in contemporary English. "It is of the magnitude of" is a more formal alternative.