it was ordered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was ordered" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that has been requested or commanded. For example: "The judge ordered that the defendant pay the fines, and it was ordered that the payment be made within seven days."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was ordered improvisation at its highest.

The New York Times - Arts

When the station finally went on the air in 2010, it was ordered to limit its programming to "cultural" matters.

The New York Times

Afterwards, its original assignment was canceled and it was ordered to capture the Kibrit East position (Fort Putzer).

Wikipedia

Jefferson County's debacle began years ago, when it was ordered by a federal court to rebuild its failing sewer system.

The New York Times

after it was ordered.

The New Yorker

It was ordered from Saks Fifth Avenue.

The New Yorker

It was ordered by someone in Texas.

The New York Times

It was ordered by the sacred.

The New Yorker

It was ordered by a judge.

The New York Times - Tech

"The idea that it was ordered — I don't believe that".

The New York Times

It was ordered to series and became a surprise hit.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "commanded", "decreed", or "mandated" to provide more specific nuance to the type of order being described.

Common error

While grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice constructions like "it was ordered" can make writing sound distant or unclear. Where possible, rephrase to use an active voice, such as "The judge ordered..." for greater impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was ordered" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that an action was performed upon a subject by an unspecified or less important actor. Ludwig AI examples show it used in various contexts where a directive or command has been issued.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Tech

3%

Opinion

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was ordered" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate that a directive or command has been given. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and highlights its prevalence in news and media, encyclopedias, and wiki articles. While versatile, being mindful of passive voice overuse, and the source of the order, is key. Consider alternatives like "commanded" or "decreed" for nuanced expression, and active voice constructions for greater clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was commanded

Implies authority and direct control, similar to "it was ordered" but with a stronger emphasis on the source of the instruction.

it was decreed

Suggests a formal and authoritative declaration, often by a governing body.

it was stipulated

Indicates a requirement or condition that was specified, typically in an agreement or contract.

it was arranged

Emphasizes the act of planning or organizing, suggesting a prior agreement or decision.

it was instructed

Focuses on the act of providing guidance or directions, highlighting the information given.

it was mandated

Suggests a legal or regulatory requirement, emphasizing the binding nature of the directive.

it was prescribed

Implies a set rule or guideline that has to be followed.

an order was given

A more active way of saying "it was ordered", emphasizing the giving of the command.

directions were issued

Similar to "it was ordered" but more formal and often used when discussing official procedures.

the directive was given

Emphasizes the official nature of the command or instruction.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it was ordered" to sound more direct?

Consider using the active voice instead. For example, instead of "it was ordered to shut down", say "they ordered it to shut down" or "the government ordered it to shut down".

What's the difference between "it was ordered" and "it was requested"?

"It was ordered" suggests a command or directive, implying authority. "It was requested" implies a polite asking or suggestion, without necessarily implying authority.

When is it appropriate to use "it was ordered" in formal writing?

Use "it was ordered" in formal writing when you want to emphasize the fact that a command or directive was given, especially when the source of the order is less important than the action itself. Otherwise, identify the entity that gave the order to create a more engaging active voice sentence.

What are some synonyms for "it was ordered" that maintain a formal tone?

Synonyms that maintain a formal tone include "it was decreed", "it was mandated", or "it was commanded".