order him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "order him" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when giving a command or instruction to someone regarding another person. Example: "Please order him to complete the report by the end of the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

ROBBIE MUST DELAY TRIP.; Doctors Order Him Not to Leave Hospital Until March 1.

The New York Times

Archives|ROBBIE MUST DELAY TRIP.; Doctors Order Him Not to Leave Hospital Until March 1.

The New York Times

Just order him to go to Moscow?

The Washington Post

"I should order him some blue-green algae, or butterbur".

The New Yorker

Should it also order him to give up his guns?

The New York Times

Alex went to see him there, to order him back to college.

The New Yorker

Doctors order him to return to Paris and start behaving like a normal person.

The New Yorker

He works so hard that I often have to order him to take a day off.

The New Yorker

It got so I would only order him meals I liked, knowing how it would go.

The New York Times

"I love Larry," he said, as his publicist went off to order him a vodka.

The New Yorker

If it accepts the prosecutors' argument, it can order him held indefinitely for compulsory treatment.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "order him", be mindful of the power dynamics and potential for negative connotations. Consider whether a more collaborative or persuasive approach would be more effective.

Common error

Avoid using "order him" in contexts where teamwork and cooperation are essential. Instead, opt for alternatives like "ask him to" or "suggest he" to foster a more positive and collaborative environment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "order him" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a transitive verb followed by a direct object. It signifies the act of giving a command or instruction to someone regarding another person. Ludwig examples show its usage in various contexts, from legal settings to everyday situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

2%

Science

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "order him" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that indicates instructing or commanding someone. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s considered correct in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, it conveys authority and direction. While widely used, it's essential to be mindful of the context and power dynamics, opting for more collaborative alternatives when appropriate. While "order him" is generally appropriate, less authoritative synonyms might be a better fit based on the nature of the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

instruct him

More formal and less direct than "order him".

direct him

A more neutral and less forceful alternative to "order him".

command him

Implies a higher level of authority than "order him".

tell him to

A simple and straightforward way of conveying the instruction.

require him to

Suggests a formal necessity or obligation.

request him to

More polite and less assertive than "order him".

ask him to

Implies a lack of authority and is more of a polite request.

mandate him to

Formal and legalistic, suggesting a binding command.

charge him with

Implies a responsibility or duty being assigned.

enjoin him to

Formal and somewhat archaic, suggesting a legal or moral obligation.

FAQs

How to use "order him" in a sentence?

"Order him" is used to indicate that someone is being instructed or commanded to do something. For example, "The judge can "order him" to pay restitution."

What can I say instead of "order him"?

You can use alternatives like "instruct him", "direct him", or "command him", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "order him" or "order to him"?

"Order him" is the correct phrasing. The preposition "to" is not needed after "order" when it is followed by a direct object.

What's the difference between "order him" and "ask him"?

"Order him" implies authority and a command, while "ask him" suggests a request or polite inquiry. The choice depends on the speaker's position and the desired tone.