ordering certain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ordering certain" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to refer to the act of requesting specific items or details, but it lacks clarity and context. Example: "I am in the process of ordering certain supplies for the project, but I need to finalize the list first."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Clarke stopped short of accusing the ECB of ordering certain pitches, but his unease was clear.

Independent

"I'm going to think twice about ordering certain things, like tuna".

The New York Times

That included a Richmond car dealer who reported restrictions on ordering certain cars colored with paints from Japan.

The New York Times

Emergency-medicine residents memorize guidelines that help them determine when imaging studies are needed after certain kinds of injuries, and professors routinely ask trainees to defend their rationale for ordering certain tests.

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

In my shop, you can order certain things and other things you cannot.

The Guardian - Arts

Mr. Mendez-Santiago replied, "We hope to build the capacity to be able to order certain kinds of meals".

The New York Times

"One reason the court ordered certain documents' protection was to prevent exactly what has happened: misusing documents and taking documents out of context to sling mud".

The New York Times - Tech

Instead, they suggest that Obama should work with Congress to write new laws, possibly creating a "national-security court," which could order certain suspects to be held without a trial.

The New Yorker

If a person says he or she drinks heavily or has used intravenous drugs, I may be more alert to signs of liver problems when doing the physical exam and more inclined to order certain blood tests.

The New York Times - Health

This means students will be able to order certain items and circumvent the standard waiting period.

TechCrunch

She was embarrassed to go out, wear certain clothes, order certain foods, or approach men to whom she felt attracted.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For clearer communication, specify what you are "ordering". Instead of "ordering certain", use "ordering specific items" or "requesting particular services".

Common error

Avoid using "ordering certain" without a noun to specify what is being ordered. This can lead to confusion and ambiguity. Always clarify the object of your order for better understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ordering certain" functions as a verb phrase combined with an adjective, often intended to express the act of requesting or selecting specific items. However, Ludwig AI indicates that it can lack clarity without a specified object. Examples from Ludwig show use in various contexts, but the phrasing can benefit from being more explicit.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "ordering certain" is found in various sources, Ludwig AI points out that it is not considered grammatically precise and often lacks clarity. To improve communication, it is recommended to specify the object being ordered, such as "ordering specific items" or "requesting particular services". This enhances clarity and makes the phrase more suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Using clearer alternatives will lead to more effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ordering specific items

Combines 'specific' and 'items' for increased precision in the request.

requesting specific

Replaces 'certain' with 'specific' to enhance clarity on the type of items being ordered.

ordering particular

Uses 'particular' instead of 'certain' to emphasize a specific selection process.

requesting certain items

Adds 'items' to clarify the nature of what is being requested, making the phrase more explicit.

placing orders for specific

Expands the phrase to include 'placing orders' for clearer context, emphasizing the formal action of ordering.

arranging specific

Substitutes 'ordering' with 'arranging' to indicate a coordination of specific elements rather than a direct request.

purchasing specific

Uses 'purchasing' to specify that the action involves buying something rather than just requesting it.

procuring specific

Uses 'procuring' to suggest obtaining something specific, often through official channels.

commissioning certain

Replaces 'ordering' with 'commissioning', indicating a formal request for something to be made or done.

reserving certain

Changes the action to 'reserving', which indicates holding something back or making it available for future use.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "ordering certain"?

You can use alternatives like "requesting specific", "ordering particular", or "requesting certain items depending on the context".

Is "ordering certain" grammatically correct?

While understandable, "ordering certain" is not considered grammatically precise. It's better to specify what you are ordering by saying, for example, "ordering certain items" or "ordering specific products".

How can I improve the clarity of my sentences when using the phrase "ordering certain"?

To enhance clarity, always follow "ordering certain" with a noun that specifies what is being ordered. For example, "ordering certain supplies" or "ordering certain services" are more precise.

What is the difference between "ordering certain" and "ordering specific"?

"Ordering specific" is generally preferred over "ordering certain" because it provides a more direct and clear indication that particular items or services are being requested. You might also consider using "ordering particular".