it might order

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it might order" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the possibility of something issuing a command or request in a hypothetical context. Example: "In certain situations, it might order the team to take immediate action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The European Commission said on Thursday that it had added three new charges against Intel, and warned that it might order Intel to change its behavior under threat of large fines that could total 10percentt of its global revenue.

The New York Times - Tech

Or it might order a shift to a "first option" model, in which liability and cost control stay together.

The Economist

If the commission endorses the findings, it could then increase the size of the refunds it might order energy companies to pay consumers in California for overcharging.

The New York Times

There has been little action so far, but Congress may soon get a push from the courts: a federal appeals panel indicated in August that it might order the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to restart a licensing hearing to rule on whether the Nevada site, Yucca Mountain is suitable, even though President Obama has declared the site "off the table".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Come to think of it, you might order two, just to be safe.

The New Yorker

Her theory is that Mr. Obama has not been immersed in the litigation and that if he pays attention to it, he might order a different approach.

The New York Times

Once he decides on a package, he can order it–just like he might order a cellphone package of a certain number of minutes of use per month.

Forbes

They get to know their customers as they walk in, what they like, what they might order, and it increases their revenue.

The New York Times

It was the kind of thing you might order from a mall kiosk that specialized in monogrammed gifts.

The New Yorker

Scioscia said it was impossible to determine exactly when he might order a walk for Bonds.

The New York Times - Sports

In health care, a doctor or patient might order an extra test casually, just because it's free.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it might order" to indicate a potential action or decision, particularly when discussing hypothetical scenarios or future possibilities. It's suitable for expressing uncertainty about a directive or command.

Common error

Avoid using "it might order" when a definite decision or order has already been made. This phrase implies uncertainty, so it is inappropriate when certainty exists.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it might order" functions as a modal verb phrase, expressing possibility or likelihood concerning a potential command or directive. It is used to indicate that a certain entity could issue an order, as exemplified by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it might order" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express the possibility of a future command or directive. As confirmed by Ludwig, its usage is correct and applicable in various contexts, particularly within news and media. The phrase conveys uncertainty, making it suitable for hypothetical scenarios where a decision is yet to be finalized. While not extremely frequent, its meaning is clear and its use is consistent with standard English. Remember to avoid using it when certainty exists and to consider more formal alternatives like "it may instruct" when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it could command

Replaces "might" with "could", indicating a slightly weaker possibility or potential.

it may instruct

Substitutes "might" with "may", suggesting a similar level of possibility but with a more formal tone.

it is possible it will direct

Rephrases the sentence to explicitly state possibility using "it is possible", adding emphasis.

it is conceivable that it will request

Uses "conceivable" to denote possibility, implying a more theoretical or abstract scenario.

it is not out of the question that it will stipulate

Expresses possibility by negating impossibility, adding a layer of complexity.

it is within the realm of possibility that it will prescribe

Formally indicates that something is possible, often used in a more structured or regulated context.

it is imaginable that it will decree

Implies something can be imagined or envisioned, suggesting a less concrete possibility.

it is thinkable that it will tell

States that something can be thought of, a more informal way to express possibility.

it is not impossible for it to ordain

Expresses possibility by negating impossibility, used in formal or legal contexts.

it is within the bounds of expectation it will demand

States that something can be expected, suggesting a higher degree of likelihood than a mere possibility.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it might order" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you can use phrases such as "it may instruct", "it could direct", or "it is possible it will direct".

What does "it might order" imply about the certainty of the action?

The phrase "it might order" indicates uncertainty. It suggests that an action is possible but not definite, implying the decision is yet to be made or is contingent on certain conditions.

Is "it might order" appropriate for describing past events?

No, "it might order" is generally used for future or hypothetical situations. To describe past events, use phrases like "it may have ordered" or "it could have instructed".

When is it better to use "it will order" instead of "it might order"?

"It will order" should be used when the action is certain and has been definitively decided. If there is still a possibility or uncertainty, "it might order" is the more appropriate choice.