obeyed orders

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obeyed orders" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone follows commands or directives given by a superior or authority figure. Example: "The soldiers obeyed orders without question during the mission."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

West obeyed orders, and the finesse of the nine lost to the jack.

The New York Times - Arts

Unholy acts, in truth, are of advantage to princes because of their power, but to private individuals who have merely obeyed orders they are usually the cause of great evil.

University of Chicago

The captain of the vessel, which reportedly has 34 people on board, ultimately obeyed orders after they fired warning shots.

Vice

She argued that Eichmann was a plain bureaucrat, seeing himself as "a law-abiding citizen" who "did his duty" and "obeyed orders".

Huffington Post

Everyone simply obeyed orders during changeovers.

Harvard Business Review

Everyone else had just obeyed orders.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

It is also the case that some Israeli publications have not obeyed gag orders, such as Haaretz (see here and here), as did an Australian outlet.

The Guardian

Almost complete conversion was reached within 8 h when initial molar ratios of alcohol to acetic acid were 1.5 and 2. The reaction time courses were well described by a simple model based on the assumptions that the reaction obeyed second-order kinetics and the permeation flux of each component was proportional to its concentration.

Catalysis Today

At low concentration range, adsorption kinetic obeyed pseudo-first-order model, but at high concentration range, it followed pseudo-second-order model.

Bioresource Technology

The adsorption process was rapid and obeyed pseudo-second-order kinetics.

Chemical Engineering Journal

Kinetic study was carried out by varying initial concentration of Cd II) at constant temperature and it was found that pseudo-second-order rate equation was better obeyed than pseudo-first-order equation supporting that chemisorption process was involved.

Applied Water Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "obeyed orders", ensure the context clearly indicates who issued the orders and what authority they held. This adds clarity and strengthens the impact of the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "obeyed orders" as a blanket excuse for unethical or harmful actions. While it explains compliance, it doesn't absolve responsibility. Consider the moral implications, not just the act of obedience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obeyed orders" functions as a verb phrase indicating compliance with a command. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in describing adherence to instructions from authority figures. Ludwig AI confirms it's correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "obeyed orders" is a verb phrase used to describe the act of following commands issued by someone in authority. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While relatively uncommon, it frequently appears in News & Media, as well as occasionally in Academic, Encyclopedia, Wiki, and Science contexts. It's crucial to remember that while "obeyed orders" can explain actions, it doesn't necessarily absolve responsibility, especially in cases involving unethical commands. Alternatives like "followed instructions" or "complied with commands" may be suitable depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

followed instructions

Focuses on the action of adhering to specific instructions, rather than a general command.

complied with commands

Emphasizes adherence to specific commands, often in a more formal context.

adhered to directives

Highlights sticking to specific directives or guidelines.

carried out instructions

Stresses the action of performing or executing specific instructions.

executed commands

Implies a formal and often military context, focusing on the execution of commands.

followed protocol

Highlights adherence to established procedures and rules.

acted on instructions

Emphasizes that actions were taken as a direct result of receiving instructions.

respected authority

Focuses on showing deference and compliance to authority figures.

submitted to authority

Implies a sense of yielding or surrendering to a higher power or command.

remained compliant

Stresses the continuation of obedient behavior.

FAQs

What does "obeyed orders" mean?

The phrase "obeyed orders" means to have followed the commands or instructions given by someone in a position of authority.

Is "obeyed orders" a valid defense for actions taken?

While "obeyed orders" can explain why someone acted in a certain way, it is generally not considered a complete legal or ethical defense, particularly if the orders were unlawful or immoral. The principle of individual responsibility often applies.

What are some alternatives to saying "obeyed orders"?

You can use alternatives like "followed instructions", "complied with commands", or "adhered to directives" depending on the context.

How can I use "obeyed orders" in a sentence?

You can use "obeyed orders" in a sentence like: "The soldiers "obeyed orders" without question."