on whose orders

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on whose orders" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when inquiring about the authority or person responsible for a particular action or decision. Example: "The detective wanted to know on whose orders the operation had been carried out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

On whose orders was it cut, and why was it abandoned?

The New Yorker

Nobody seems to know on whose orders it was cut, or why, or how it came to be abandoned.

The New Yorker

The government authorities have moved aggressively in recent days to act on the complaints, though it is not clear on whose orders they are acting.

The New York Times

Over the past few days, the authorities have arrested Muslim Brotherhood officials and shut down television stations, including Islamist channels, though it is not clear on whose orders the security services were acting.

The New York Times

"The British Home Office must disclose which other German groups and movements were investigated and on whose orders," Hunko said in a statement in which he also called for similar inquiries in Germany.

The Guardian

At the same time, Mr. Djindjic said, Mr. Raznatovic kept strong contacts with the Yugoslav and Serbian security services on whose orders he is said in the past to have carried out assassinations of exiles in western Europe viewed as enemies of the Belgrade government.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

On what basis, and on whose order?

The New Yorker

President Andrés Pastrana, on whose order Mr. Del Rio was cashiered from the army in 1999, has insisted that his government is aggressively going after paramilitaries.

The New York Times

Karadžic was able to drive across Bosnia, through four international checkpoints, waving insouciantly at the Nato troops on guard, whose orders – dictated by a nervous Clinton administration – all but precluded them from taking action.

The Guardian

But she also positioned herself to the left of even Obama on immigration, whose orders have led to non-stop conservative ire and legal challenges but would still allow for the deportation of those brought illegally to the country as children – so-called "dreamers".

The Guardian

Nearly 100 of these were in the steel sector, which depends heavily on sales to farmers, whose orders for tools and parts plunged last year with the farm invasions and the prospect of land reform.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on whose orders" when you want to know who specifically issued a command or instruction, especially when investigating potential wrongdoing or clarifying responsibility.

Common error

Avoid using "on whose orders" when simply seeking general information or suggestions. This phrase implies a formal command structure and should not be used for routine requests or advice. It suggests a hierarchical dynamic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on whose orders" functions as an interrogative prepositional phrase. It introduces a question seeking to identify the individual or entity responsible for issuing a directive or command. Ludwig confirms the accuracy and usability of this phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on whose orders" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is used to inquire about the person or entity responsible for issuing a command. While not extremely common, its usage is prevalent in news and media, wiki articles, and scientific contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal tone. When seeking alternatives, consider "under whose authority" or "by whose command" for similar meanings. Be mindful of the hierarchical implications; it implies accountability in a formal structure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under whose authority

Focuses on the formal power or right to give orders.

by whose command

Emphasizes a direct and forceful instruction.

at whose direction

Highlights the guiding influence or instruction behind an action.

upon whose instruction

Similar to "at whose direction" but slightly more formal.

on whose authority was this done

Adds a past tense and more direct query about the action.

who authorized this action

Simplified to focus on the authorization of an action.

who gave the order for this

Directly asks about the person who issued the command.

whose directive was followed

Emphasizes the following of a specific instruction.

on whose say-so

Informal way of asking who approved or allowed something.

by whose sanction

Focuses on the official approval or permission.

FAQs

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

Use "on whose orders" to inquire about who authorized or commanded a specific action. For example, "The investigation seeks to determine "on whose orders" the raid was conducted."

What's an alternative to "on whose orders" that sounds less accusatory?

Alternatives include phrases like "under whose authority", "by whose direction", or "who authorized the action". These soften the tone while still seeking the source of the command.

Is it correct to say "on whose order" instead of "on whose orders"?

While "order" can refer to a single command, "orders" is more common because it often implies a series of instructions or a broader directive. However, "on whose order" is grammatically correct when referring to a specific, individual instruction.

What is the difference between "on whose orders" and "who ordered"?

"On whose orders" is more formal and typically used when inquiring about a formal chain of command. "Who ordered" is a more direct and less formal way of asking the same question.