ordered them to

USAGE SUMMARY

"ordered them to" is a correct and common phrase used in written English.
It is used when one person or entity is giving an instruction to another person or entity. For example: "The manager ordered them to finish the project by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The judge ordered them to continue deliberating.

The New York Times

The rebels, though, ordered them to remain.

The Washington Post

I've ordered them to be shot down.

The Guardian

"They must be saying this because someone ordered them to".

The New York Times

Then the Serbs ordered them to go back.

The Economist

An ordered them to write a story a week.

The New Yorker

The letters ordered them to promptly make changes.

The New York Times

Then a robber ordered them to strip naked.

The New York Times

Mr. Mitchell said the store's manager ordered them to stop.

The New York Times

A loudspeaker soon ordered them to leave, he added.

The Washington Post

When police ordered them to disperse, scuffles broke out.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ordered them to", ensure the context clearly indicates who issued the order and who received it for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using passive constructions that obscure the source of the order. For example, instead of "They were ordered to leave", specify who gave the order: "The commander ordered them to leave".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ordered them to" functions as a verb phrase indicating a command or instruction given by an authority or individual. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Academia

11%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ordered them to" is a common and grammatically sound construction used to indicate a direct command or instruction. As Ludwig AI confirms, its use is prevalent across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like "commanded them to" or "instructed them to" exist, "ordered them to" strikes a balance between formality and directness. When using this phrase, ensure the source and recipient of the order are clear to avoid ambiguity. Its frequent occurrence in authoritative sources underscores its validity and utility in formal and informal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

commanded them to

This alternative emphasizes a more formal and authoritative instruction.

instructed them to

This suggests a more educational or guidance-oriented direction.

directed them to

This implies a specific path or action was indicated.

required them to

Highlights the obligatory nature of the action.

tasked them to

Emphasizes the delegation of a specific duty or responsibility.

told them to

A more informal and straightforward way of conveying the instruction.

compelled them to

Suggests a stronger force or pressure was used to ensure compliance.

enjoined them to

Implies a formal or legal requirement to perform the action.

decreed that they should

Signifies a formal proclamation or authoritative decision.

stipulated that they must

Highlights the conditions or terms under which the action is required.

FAQs

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

Use "ordered them to" to show someone gave a direct command or instruction. For example, "The general ordered them to advance".

What are some alternatives to "ordered them to"?

Alternatives include "commanded them to", "instructed them to", or "directed them to", depending on the context and level of formality.

Is it better to use "ordered them to" or "told them to"?

"Ordered them to" implies a formal command, while "told them to" is more informal. The best choice depends on the tone and context of your writing. If it was a strict command use "ordered", otherwise use "told them to".

What's the difference between "ordered them to" and "requested them to"?

"Ordered them to" implies a mandatory command, while "requested them to" suggests a polite request that may or may not be followed.