order in which

USAGE SUMMARY

"order in which" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase in written English.
Example: It is important to follow the order in which the instructions are laid out.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I can't remember the order in which everything happened.

The Guardian

The order in which questions are asked is also important.

The New Yorker

That is the order in which they joined Prism.

The New Yorker

Markers highlight the order in which deformation occurs.

Nature

Changing the order in which things are presented.

Harvard Business Review

Patients are seen in the order in which they arrive.

The New York Times - Health

Thus, the order in which information is extracted matters.

Journal of Mathematical Economics

The order in which the depths are specified dictates the order in which the objects are merged into the new depth.

Harvard University

The order in which you sort determines the order in which question groups appear on the evaluation, and on the report.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"All that remains," he said, "is deciding the order in which to make them.

The New York Times

Here they are, in no particular order but the order in which I thought of them.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "order in which", ensure that the sequence is logical and clear to the reader. Use transition words to guide the reader through the sequence.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by clearly defining the items or events being sequenced. Use precise language to prevent misinterpretations of the "order in which" things should occur.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "order in which" functions as a prepositional phrase that often introduces a relative clause, specifying the sequence or arrangement in which actions, events, or items occur. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its use in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "order in which" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to specify the arrangement or sequence of actions, events, or items. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used across various sources, particularly in news, science, and academic contexts. To enhance clarity, use transition words to guide the reader through the sequence. While the phrase itself is neutral, context and associated vocabulary dictate the overall tone. For more formal situations, consider alternatives like "the arrangement by which". Being mindful of these nuances will ensure its effective and appropriate use in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sequence that

Focuses on the series of events rather than the specific arrangement.

in what sequence

A more direct question regarding the order of events.

way things are arranged

Emphasizes the arrangement or organization of items or events.

the arrangement by which

Highlights the methodology or system of arrangement.

manner that

Highlights the way something is done in a particular arrangement.

the pattern by which

Suggests an underlying structure or design to the sequence.

the method used

Focuses on the specific process or technique implemented for sequencing.

relative positioning of

Emphasizes the spatial or conceptual placement of items.

the subsequent steps

Focuses on the following actions or stages in a process.

the chronological events

Specifically refers to the time-based ordering of events.

FAQs

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

Use "order in which" to specify the sequence or arrangement of a series of actions, events, or items. For example: "The instructions detail the "order in which" the ingredients should be added."

What's the difference between "order in which" and "sequence that"?

"Order in which" specifically denotes the arrangement or sequence, while "sequence that" simply refers to a series of events or items without necessarily highlighting the arrangement's importance.

What can I say instead of "order in which"?

You can use alternatives such as "sequence that", "way things are arranged", or "manner that" depending on the context.

Is there a more formal alternative to "order in which"?

In formal writing, consider using "the arrangement by which" or "the pattern by which" for a more sophisticated tone.