order someone to do something

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of sentence "order someone to do something" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are asking someone to do something in a formal way. Example: The supervisor ordered the team members to finish the project by the end of the day.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The first steps towards such a theory are established by Pfänder in his reflections on the act of ordering someone to do something and the logic of imperatives (1909), as well as by Daubert in his tentative theory of questions of 1911/12 (cf. Schuhmann/Smith 1987).

SEP

University of Ottawa national security law professor Craig Forcese, in a blog post on the legality of foreign fighters, explained that while a counter-IS militia may have a "generally more palatable" goal, he writes, "but it is still running around killing people in order to get someone to do something, and so it could well be engaged in a 'terrorist activity.'.

Vice

This shouldn't be your first stop, but using fear and outrage in order to convince someone to do something is a very effective technique.

WikiHow

It means asking someone to do something that he will never be able to do.

The New Yorker

Venezuelan football really needed someone to do something similar.

BBC

Only then is the meaning reached: a person who makes it easier for someone to do something.

Psicologia: Reflexão e Crítica

Episode 19: How do I invite someone to do something?

BBC

How do I invite someone to do something?

BBC

Telling someone to do something yields compliance at best.

Forbes

Don't "not allow" someone to do something.

WikiHow

Tell someone to do something if you're popular.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "order someone to do something", ensure the context clearly indicates the authority or hierarchical relationship between the parties involved. Be mindful of the power dynamics and potential implications of issuing direct orders.

Common error

Avoid using "order someone to do something" in informal settings, as it can sound overly authoritarian or harsh. Opt for gentler alternatives like "ask", "request", or "suggest" in casual conversations or friendly interactions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "order someone to do something" functions as a verb phrase that describes an action of giving a direct instruction or command. As indicated by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English, suggesting its appropriateness in contexts where a clear directive is intended.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

35%

Wiki

35%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "order someone to do something" is a grammatically sound verb phrase used to convey the act of giving a direct command. As Ludwig confirms, it's suitable for formal to neutral contexts where a hierarchical relationship exists. The primary purpose is to assert authority and direct behavior. While versatile, caution should be exercised in informal settings to avoid sounding overly authoritarian. Related phrases offer varying degrees of directness and formality, allowing for nuance in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

command someone to act

Replaces "order" with "command" and "do something" with "act", emphasizing authority and action.

instruct someone to proceed

Uses "instruct" instead of "order" and "proceed" instead of "do something", suggesting a formal and guided action.

direct someone to perform an action

Replaces "order" with "direct" and "do something" with "perform an action", increasing the formality.

tell someone what to do

Simplifies the phrasing, making it more direct and informal.

compel someone to take action

Emphasizes the element of compulsion or necessity.

task someone with an assignment

Changes the focus to assigning a specific task rather than a general instruction.

oblige someone to execute a task

Indicates a sense of duty or obligation.

pressure someone into acting

Highlights the use of pressure to influence someone's actions.

advise someone to act accordingly

Suggests giving advice with the expectation of compliance.

request someone to undertake something

Softens the command by framing it as a request.

FAQs

What is a less forceful way to say "order someone to do something"?

You can use alternatives such as "ask someone to do something", "request someone to do something", or "suggest someone do something" depending on the context.

Is "order someone to do something" appropriate in formal writing?

Yes, it is appropriate in formal writing where there is a clear hierarchical relationship or authority. However, consider the tone and whether a less direct phrase would be more suitable.

What are some synonyms for "order someone to do something" that imply a stronger command?

Stronger synonyms include "command someone to do something", "direct someone to do something", or "instruct someone to do something", which emphasize authority and leave little room for refusal.

How does "order someone to do something" differ from "ask someone to do something"?

"Order someone to do something" implies a position of authority and a demand for compliance, while "ask someone to do something" is a polite request that the other person can refuse.