order people

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "order people" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is instructing or commanding individuals to do something. Example: "The manager had to order people to follow the new safety protocols during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"She wouldn't order people to rape and kill.

The New York Times - Magazine

When I give an order people obey it".

The New York Times

But should they care about the "Law & Order" people?

The New York Times

They are used to being able to order people around".

The Guardian

At that stage it was hard to order people to go near the reactors.

The Economist

I never had this management style where I would order people around.

The New York Times

Through New Order people continued to become aware of Joy Division.

The Guardian - Music

One advantage of being Pope is that you can order people to recant.

The New Yorker

They order people from their homes, steal their belongings and put padlocks on the houses.

The New York Times

A more formal approach is to have civil courts order people to enter community treatment.

The New York Times

Mayer said last year her priorities for the company were, in order, people, products, traffic and lastly, revenue.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "order people", ensure the context clearly indicates the authority or power dynamic involved. Be mindful of the tone, as it can imply a hierarchical or forceful interaction.

Common error

Avoid using "order people" in situations that require collaboration or teamwork. Instead, opt for phrases like "guide the team" or "coordinate efforts" to foster a more inclusive environment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "order people" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It describes the act of directing or commanding individuals to perform a specific action. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Examples from Ludwig show it in contexts of authority, such as military commands or managerial instructions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "order people" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes the act of commanding or directing individuals, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. Its primary function is to convey authority and the expectation of compliance. While versatile, the phrase's register can vary from neutral to formal, depending on the context. Predominantly found in news and media, with a notable presence in scientific and business contexts, it's important to be mindful of the potential implications of its usage, particularly in collaborative settings. Alternatives like "instruct people" or "guide people" may offer a softer, more inclusive tone where appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

command people

Replaces "order" with a synonym emphasizing authority and control.

direct people

Suggests guidance and supervision rather than strict command.

compel people

Emphasizes the use of force or pressure to ensure compliance.

instruct people

Implies teaching or guiding individuals on how to perform a task.

require people

Highlights the necessity or obligation for individuals to comply.

enjoin people

Signifies instructing or ordering someone to do something, especially with legal or moral authority.

tell people

A more informal way to convey instructions or commands.

summon people

Highlights the act of calling people to come to a specific location or perform a duty.

arrange people

Focuses on organizing individuals in a specific manner or sequence.

task people

Focuses on assigning a task or responsibility to individuals.

FAQs

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

You can use "order people" when describing a situation where someone in authority is giving commands or instructions. For example, "The general can order people into battle".

What's the difference between "order people" and "command people"?

While similar, "command people" often implies a higher level of authority or military context, whereas "order people" can be used in a broader range of scenarios.

Which is correct, "order people to do something" or "order that people do something"?

"Order people to do something" is more direct and commonly used. "Order that people do something" is grammatically correct but more formal and less frequent.

What can I say instead of "order people" to sound less authoritarian?

Consider using alternatives like "instruct people", "ask people", or "guide people" to soften the tone, depending on the context.