ordered to do something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ordered to do something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a directive or command given to someone to perform a specific action. Example: "The soldiers were ordered to do something about the approaching threat."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

9.35pm GMT Labour's John McDonnell says there should be a conscience clause to protect journalist ordered to do something they consider to be unethical.

The Guardian

'I believe she is someone who can and will stand up to the President if ordered to do something illegal or immoral — like a return to torture,' Warner said in a statement.

The Washington Post

But Mr. Shah and his colleagues are also sworn to heal, and until they are ordered to do something else, heal they will, though with an unusually careful touch.

The New York Times

His mention of the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals is a hint that he was ordered to do something — one of the only ways a case can go directly to a Court of Appeals is to challenge an agency order.

The New Yorker

In contrast to the previous oath, which required allegiance to the constitution of the country and its lawful establishments, this new oath required members of the military to obey Hitler even if they were being ordered to do something illegal.

Wikipedia

"I believe [Haspel] is someone who can and will stand up to the President if ordered to do something illegal or immoral like a return to torture," Warner said in a statement.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

"You have to notice you've lost focus in order to do something about it".

The New York Times

"We don't need perfect answers in order to do something better.

The Guardian - Opinion

I have to be really passionate in order to do something.

The Guardian - Music

"You never know who might give an order to do something against you.

The Guardian

Ivan and Pankratov cooked up the scholarship in order to do something for Charlie Halifax's nephew.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ordered to do something", ensure the context clearly establishes the authority issuing the order and the specific action being commanded. Maintain consistent tense for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "ordered to do something" without clearly identifying who issued the order. Ambiguity can undermine the statement's credibility and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ordered to do something" functions as a passive construction, indicating that someone received a direct command or instruction to perform a specific action. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. The phrase typically requires a subject who received the order, and it implies an authority figure or system that issued the order.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

62.5%

Wiki

25%

Academia

12.5%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ordered to do something" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, used to indicate a direct command or instruction. While not exceedingly common, it appears across various contexts, most frequently in News & Media. The phrase conveys authority and compliance, and it is best used when the source of the order and the action are clearly defined. Alternatives such as "commanded to act" or "instructed to perform" can be used depending on the desired nuance. When using "ordered to do something", ensure the context clearly establishes the authority issuing the order and the specific action being commanded.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

commanded to act

Focuses on the act of commanding, implying authority and a direct order.

instructed to perform

Emphasizes the instructional aspect, suggesting guidance rather than a strict order.

directed to undertake

Highlights the act of directing, implying a specific task or project.

tasked with carrying out

Stresses the assignment of a task, emphasizing responsibility and execution.

assigned to complete

Focuses on the assignment aspect, highlighting the completion of a specific task.

under orders to execute

Highlights the execution aspect, implying adherence to a command.

given instructions to fulfill

Emphasizes the instructions given, highlighting the fulfillment of those instructions.

mandated to accomplish

Stresses the mandatory nature, highlighting the accomplishment of a goal.

required to perform

Focuses on the requirement, highlighting the obligation to act.

compelled to act

Emphasizes the act of compelling, implying a strong external pressure.

FAQs

How can I use "ordered to do something" in a sentence?

Use "ordered to do something" to indicate a command or instruction given to someone to perform a specific action. For example, "The general ordered the troops to advance".

What's a formal way to say "ordered to do something"?

Formal alternatives include "instructed to perform", "directed to undertake", or "mandated to accomplish".

Is "ordered to do something" passive or active?

"Ordered to do something" is typically used in the passive voice, emphasizing the recipient of the order rather than the issuer. For example, "He was "ordered to do something"".

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

"Ordered to do something" implies a command that must be obeyed, while "requested to do something" suggests a polite request that can be declined.