ordered about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ordered about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone being given commands or instructions in a commanding or authoritative manner. Example: "He felt frustrated being ordered about by his boss all day without any recognition for his hard work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To her, Dorothy was someone to be ordered about, someone who could help clean the house and perform unpleasant chores.

The New York Times - Books

NBC has ordered about 125 scripts for new series.

The New York Times

Apple has ordered about two dozen series altogether.

The New York Times - Tech

She ordered about 300 disqualified ballots to be counted.

The Washington Post

In Newark, customers ordered about 825 calories before and after.

The New York Times

She is ordered about and dragged into scenes that are none of her concern.

Independent

"This elephant does not like to be ordered about by others than its first mahout".

The New York Times - Magazine

"I've read like, 6 books this week and ordered about 10 more," Day blogged.

The New Yorker

Since then, he has ordered about a dozen textbooks from Chegg.

The New York Times

(It costs about $20,000, and is ordered about three times per season).

The New York Times

He said most toys are ordered about a year before they go on sale in stores.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ordered about" when you want to convey a sense of someone being bossed or controlled by another. It often carries a negative connotation, suggesting the person being ordered about is not happy with the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "ordered about" in highly formal or professional documents. It can sound too informal or critical. Instead, consider using more neutral phrases like "given instructions" or "tasked with".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ordered about" functions as a phrasal verb, combining a verb with a preposition to create a specific meaning. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is employed to denote the action of someone being bossed around or controlled by another individual, as evident in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ordered about" is a phrasal verb used to describe someone being bossed or controlled, often with a negative connotation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and notes its usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in tone, it’s best to avoid using it in highly formal settings. Consider alternatives such as "given instructions" or "tasked with" for more professional settings. When used appropriately, "ordered about" effectively conveys a lack of autonomy or respect in how instructions are given.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bossed around

Emphasizes the imposition of control and authority in a domineering manner.

commanded

Focuses on the issuance of orders, typically in a military or formal context.

given instructions

Highlights the act of providing specific directions on what to do.

told what to do

A more direct and informal way of expressing the act of being given directions.

managed closely

Suggests a high level of supervision and control in a professional setting.

under someone's thumb

Indicates being completely controlled or dominated by another person.

subjected to commands

Formal and emphasizes being forced to follow orders.

at someone's beck and call

Highlights being constantly available and responsive to someone's requests.

run ragged

Emphasizes being overworked and constantly directed to do tasks.

pushed around

Suggests forceful and possibly unfair treatment by someone in a position of power.

FAQs

How can I use "ordered about" in a sentence?

You can use "ordered about" to describe a situation where someone is being bossed or controlled. For example, "She didn't like being ordered about by her older brother."

What's a less informal alternative to "ordered about"?

If you need a less informal alternative, consider phrases like "given instructions" or "tasked with". These options sound more neutral and professional.

When is it appropriate to use "ordered about"?

"Ordered about" is appropriate when you want to convey a sense of being bossed or controlled, often with a negative connotation. It's suitable for informal contexts or when describing unfair treatment.

Is "ordered about" grammatically correct?

Yes, "ordered about" is a grammatically correct phrase. It's a phrasal verb that combines the verb "ordered" with the adverb "about" to create a specific meaning.