it is ordained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is ordained" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in contexts where something is decreed, established, or destined to happen, often with a sense of authority or fate. Example: "In many cultures, it is ordained that the eldest son inherits the family estate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

It is ordained in the eternal constitution of things that men of intemperate minds cannot be free.

The New York Times

America is either in decline or it is ordained to be for ever the world's greatest nation.

The Economist

The ordinance recites that 'the conducting of a livery stable business within certain parts of the city of Little Rock, Arkansas, is detrimental to the health, interest, and prosperity of the city;' and it is ordained that it shall be unlawful to conduct or carry on that business within the area bounded by Center, Markham, Main, and Fifth streets, under penalties prescribed.

Cornell University

For every natrual power produceth the effect for which it is ordained, better or worse, according as the time and season is more or lesse convenient: and probable it is, that God giveth us certeine signes, whereby we may know when the opportunity is past.

University of Chicago

In that sense, privation is associated with active potency.[7] Kilwardby argues that PPM is naturally endowed/pregnant (gravida) with active potencies that, once set in motion by the action of an external agent, co-operate in change and become fully actual.[8] An active potency "is called potency because it is ordained to actuality and active because it is something of a form" (E 3, 30).

SEP

And when you're that good, success is not so much obtained as it is ordained.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Watching "Forbrydelsen" it's clear that despite the hedging comments of the American producers, it was ordained that "The Killing" would not solve its mystery in one season, and that it would need a full second season to wrap things up.

The New York Times - Arts

"It was ordained by the sultan," he says.

The Economist

"I said, 'Now it's ordained,'" Crim said.

The New York Times - Sports

Once again Mr. Masullo's career began to take off, although he now maintains it was ordained.

The New York Times - Arts

Perhaps it was ordained: it was the 50th anniversary of Roger Maris's 61st homer, surrendered — as any Blohard can attest — by Tracy Stallard of the Red Sox.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is ordained" to convey a sense of inevitability or destiny, particularly when discussing events believed to be divinely sanctioned or predetermined. This phrase adds a layer of gravity and significance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "it is ordained" in everyday situations where simpler terms like "decided" or "arranged" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound pretentious or overly dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is ordained" functions as a declarative statement, asserting that something has been decreed or predetermined. It typically conveys a sense of authority, fate, or divine will, as illustrated by Ludwig examples where success or certain outcomes are described as not just obtained, but pre-arranged.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is ordained" is a grammatically sound construction used to express the idea that something is decreed, predetermined, or destined to happen, often carrying a tone of authority or fate. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in formal contexts. The phrase is most commonly found in news media and academic writing, suggesting a formal or serious register. Alternatives include "it is decreed" or "it is destined", each with slightly different nuances. When employing this phrase, writers should aim to convey inevitability or divine sanction and avoid overuse in mundane scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is decreed

Focuses more on a formal declaration or command.

it is preordained

Stresses the idea of something being determined in advance, often by a divine power.

it is destined

Emphasizes a predetermined future or fate.

it is predestined

Like 'preordained,' it implies a fate set before the beginning of time.

it is fated

Similar to 'destined' but often carries a sense of inevitability and sometimes doom.

it is prescribed

Highlights a rule or instruction that must be followed.

it is mandated

Indicates that something is required by law or official order.

it is appointed

Suggests a formal assignment or designation.

it is written in the stars

Idiomatic way of saying that something is destined to happen.

fate has it

A more concise way to express that something is determined by fate.

FAQs

How can I use "it is ordained" in a sentence?

You can use "it is ordained" to describe events believed to be predetermined or divinely sanctioned. For example, "It is ordained in the eternal constitution of things that men of intemperate minds cannot be free."

What is a synonym for "it is ordained"?

Alternatives to "it is ordained" include "it is decreed", "it is destined", or "it is fated", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more common to say "it is ordained" or "it was ordained"?

Both "it is ordained" and "it was ordained" are grammatically correct, but "it was ordained" is used to refer to a past event or decision, while "it is ordained" generally refers to a current belief or principle.

What is the difference between "ordained" and "destined"?

"Ordained" often carries a religious or formal connotation, implying a divine or authoritative decree. "Destined" is a more general term suggesting a predetermined future, without necessarily implying a religious context.