order them to

USAGE SUMMARY

"order them to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to give someone an instruction or command. For example: I ordered my children to clean their rooms.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It cannot order them to do so.

The New York Times

Maybe their new government will order them to leave.

The New York Times

"It doesn't mean the government will order them to stop.

The Guardian

Nor did he order them to serve for three years in the enlisted ranks.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Unfortunately, we cannot order them to stop, although that would be the right thing to do".

The New York Times - Magazine

Did someone herd some countries into a closet and order them to spin the bottle?

The New Yorker

In his first conversations with hospital administrators, he didn't order them to use the checklists.

The New Yorker

"They are ready to fight for me whenever I order them to," Hassan said.

The New Yorker

He must order them to act firmly and even-handedly to stop the killings.

The Economist

The court can also order them to compensate shareholders hurt by any fraud.

The New York Times

Though Nelson can order the sides to talk, she cannot order them to agree.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "order them to", ensure the context reflects a clear authority dynamic. This phrase is most effective when the subject has legitimate power over the object.

Common error

Avoid using "order them to" when describing interactions between equals. It implies a hierarchical relationship that may not exist, leading to misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "order them to" functions as a verb phrase expressing a command or directive. It's used when one entity with authority instructs others to perform a specific action. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

21%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

15%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "order them to" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate a command or instruction from someone in authority. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's appropriate for scenarios where a hierarchical relationship exists. While versatile, consider the context and desired tone; alternatives like "instruct" or "direct" may be suitable in less formal situations. Common errors include its misapplication in scenarios involving equals. Ludwig examples show its frequent usage in news, academic, and scientific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

command them to

Uses a more formal and authoritative verb.

direct them to

Implies a less forceful instruction.

instruct them to

Suggests a more educational or guiding tone.

tell them to

Is more informal and direct.

require them to

Indicates a necessity or obligation.

compel them to

Suggests a stronger force or pressure.

oblige them to

Implies a sense of duty or moral obligation.

enjoin them to

Is a more formal and legalistic term.

mandate them to

Suggests an official or legal requirement.

authorize them to

Implies granting permission or power.

FAQs

How can I use "order them to" in a sentence?

Use "order them to" when someone in a position of authority is instructing others to perform a specific action. For example, "The captain "ordered them to" abandon ship".

What are some alternatives to "order them to"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "instruct them to", "direct them to", or "tell them to".

Which is correct, "order them to" or "ordered them to"?

"Order them to" is used in the infinitive form (to order). "Ordered them to" is the past tense form. The correct form depends on the tense required by the sentence.

What's the difference between "order them to" and "ask them to"?

"Order them to" implies a command that must be followed, while "ask them to" is a request that can be refused. The former suggests authority, while the latter suggests a more collaborative approach.