on his orders

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on his orders" is correct and usable in written English.
You would typically use it to refer to something that has been done at the request of a particular person. For example, "The team carried out the job on his orders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The word went out quickly that the assassination, which occurred in broad daylight in front of numerous witnesses, had been carried out by one of Sadr's lieutenants, on his orders.

The New Yorker

On his orders?

The Guardian - Tech

Mr. Giuliani said the abrupt exits came on his orders.

The New York Times

The Jets barely acknowledged Martin's milestone -- on his orders.

The New York Times - Sports

His small motorcade stops at traffic lights on his orders.

The New York Times

Oh denied any involvement, and the Hawks' pitching coach said the pitchers acted on his orders.

The New York Times - Sports

Medvedev continued: "Hundreds of our citizens were killed on his orders, including Russian peacekeepers.

The New Yorker

On his orders, the temperature is kept cool to help keep people alert.

The New York Times

They are accused of passing on his orders to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Partyy (PKK).

The Guardian

Jiang testified that she was "Mao's dog" who only bit on his orders.

The Guardian

On his orders, the entire staff, except for his old golfing buddy Michaels, was dismissed.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on his orders", ensure the context clearly identifies who 'his' refers to, avoiding ambiguity. For instance, specify the person's name or title before using the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "on his orders" without clearly establishing who 'his' refers to in the preceding sentences. This can lead to confusion and weaken the clarity of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on his orders" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the authority or instruction behind an action. As Ludwig AI suggests, it specifies that something was done because someone commanded or instructed it.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on his orders" serves as a succinct way to indicate that an action was carried out under someone's direction or authority. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news and media contexts, to attribute responsibility. When using this phrase, clarity is crucial: always ensure the context makes it clear who 'his' refers to. While "on his orders" is generally considered neutral in tone, alternative phrases like "at his direction" or "under his command" can add nuance or formality. Ultimately, the choice depends on the specific context and the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as he instructed

Directly states the act of giving instructions.

at his direction

Emphasizes guidance or instruction from him, slightly more formal.

following his directives

Highlights adherence to specific instructions.

acting upon his guidance

Emphasizes the influence and support provided.

under his command

Suggests a more hierarchical or military context.

with his authorization

Focuses on the permission granted.

by his decree

Implies a formal, authoritative pronouncement.

as per his mandate

Indicates action within the scope of granted authority.

pursuant to his instructions

A more formal and legalistic alternative.

on his say-so

A more informal way of indicating authorization.

FAQs

How can I use "on his orders" in a sentence?

Use "on his orders" to indicate that an action was carried out because someone instructed or commanded it. For example, "The soldiers advanced "on his orders".".

What phrases are similar to "on his orders"?

Similar phrases include "at his direction", "under his command", or "by his decree". Each of these phrases conveys the idea that someone is acting under the authority or instruction of another person. You can also use "as he instructed".

Is it always necessary to specify who "his" refers to when using "on his orders"?

Yes, it is crucial to specify who "his" refers to for clarity. If the context doesn't make it immediately obvious, explicitly state the person's name or title. For example, say "The captain ordered it" before writing ""on his orders"".

What is the level of formality of "on his orders"?

The phrase "on his orders" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. It is appropriate for news reports, historical accounts, and professional communication. More informal alternatives might include "because he said so" or similar expressions.