order around

USAGE SUMMARY

"order around" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe the behavior of someone who gives orders to people as if they are servants or subordinates. For example, "My boss is always ordering around the employees in the office."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

He wants a "Dick Tracy watch" that he could verbally order around, instead of pushing buttons.

The Guardian - Tech

"The West needs someone to run Russia for them, someone to order around as their instrument, and they want to do that with Garry Kasparov," Pachulia said.

The New Yorker

But in a little more than two centuries, we've made enormous progress in building a working social order around these ideals, even if we haven't entirely fulfilled them.

Huffington Post

College group projects force students to develop a diplomatic leadership style, in order to encourage their peers (whom they cannot order around) to accept their suggestions.

Forbes

Now we want to establish a peaceful order around us".

The New York Times

"The incident shows that the social order around here is not stable".

The New York Times

However, the volatility in Cairo makes us fear for law and order around the sport.

The New York Times - Sports

Family and friends pitched in, and Green managed to turn the order around in six weeks.

The Guardian

Their overall commander, currently a Spanish general, cannot order around the troops of constituent countries.

The New York Times

The doorbell is broken, so you will have to bring my food order around back.

The New Yorker

He still has the Rock and Stone Cold Austin to order around.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "order around", be mindful of the context and the potential negative connotations. Consider whether a more collaborative or respectful approach might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "order around" to describe managerial or leadership roles in professional contexts. It implies a domineering and disrespectful style that can damage relationships with subordinates. Instead, use more neutral terms like "manage", "direct", or "guide".

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "order around" functions as a verb that describes the action of giving commands or instructions in a domineering or authoritative manner. This is evident from the Ludwig examples, which show it being used to characterize behaviors of people in positions of power or those who exert control over others.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

27%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Academia

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "order around" describes the act of giving commands in a domineering way. As Ludwig AI states, it's grammatically correct and commonly used, though generally carries a negative connotation. Its frequency is high, particularly in News & Media and Science contexts. While acceptable in many settings, it should be used cautiously in formal contexts. Consider alternatives like "direct" or "instruct" for a more neutral tone. Be aware of the potential for misinterpretation and choose your words carefully.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

boss around

Implies a more informal and often negative way of giving orders, like a bossy person.

command

Suggests a formal authority and direct control, often in military or hierarchical settings.

dictate to

Conveys a sense of imposing one's will without considering others' opinions.

lay down the law

Indicates setting strict rules or orders that must be obeyed.

give instructions to

Focuses on providing guidance and directions, often in a less forceful manner.

call the shots

Refers to making the important decisions and controlling the actions of others.

take charge of

Implies assuming responsibility and control over a situation or group.

manage

Suggests a more collaborative and supportive approach to directing others.

dominate

Implies exerting power and control over others in a forceful and overwhelming way.

have authority over

Emphasizes the formal right to give orders and make decisions.

FAQs

How can I use "order around" in a sentence?

You can use "order around" to describe someone who gives commands in a domineering way, such as "The manager was known for ordering around his employees."

What does it mean to "order around" someone?

To "order around" someone means to give them commands or instructions in an authoritative or bossy manner, often implying a lack of respect or consideration for their feelings or opinions.

What are some alternatives to "order around"?

Alternatives to "order around" include "boss around", "command", or "dictate to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "order around" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "order around" often carries a negative connotation. In formal writing, it may be better to choose a more neutral term like "direct" or "instruct".