ordering me

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ordering me" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when someone is instructing or commanding you to do something. Example: "I don't appreciate you ordering me around like I'm your assistant."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

"Are you ordering me to orchestrate like Glazunov?" Prokofiev asked.

The New Yorker

My boss started ordering me around by clicking her fingers.

The Guardian - Money

"O.K., you need to work on this," she said, ordering me to start over.

The New Yorker

"On the one hand, it was ordering me to publish," he said.

The Guardian

I'm ordering me Derby shirt tomorrow though, Nigel no.9 on the back".

The Guardian - Sport

Then they left, ordering me to remain in my room until "more senior" intelligence men arrived.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

They order me to spend.

The New York Times

They ordered me around.

The New York Times

"Hold your pants up!" he ordered me.

The New York Times

Ashley ordered me to put it away.

Independent

You can order me around.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "ordering me", consider the context and the level of formality required. It often implies a power dynamic or a sense of imposition.

Common error

Avoid using "ordering me" in highly formal or professional settings where a more neutral term like "requesting" or "asking" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ordering me" functions as a verbal phrase, where "ordering" is a verb in the present participle form and "me" is the object pronoun. This phrase typically appears within a larger clause to describe an action being performed upon the speaker. Ludwig indicates the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ordering me" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that someone is directing you to do something, often implying a sense of authority or imposition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's usable in written English and appears frequently in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's important to consider the context and choose more formal alternatives like "requesting me" in professional settings. Remember that "ordering me" suggests a command, not a polite request.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

commanding me

This alternative emphasizes a more authoritative and forceful instruction.

directing me

This suggests a more general instruction or guidance.

instructing me

This implies a formal or educational context of being told what to do.

telling me what to do

This is a more explicit and straightforward way of expressing the same idea.

giving me orders

This emphasizes the power dynamic and the expectation of obedience.

bossing me around

This suggests an informal and potentially annoying way of giving instructions.

issuing instructions to me

This is a more formal and official way of saying someone is giving orders.

laying down the law for me

This implies a strict and potentially unfair set of rules or demands.

dictating to me

This suggests an overbearing and controlling way of giving instructions.

calling the shots for me

This implies someone is making all the decisions and directing your actions.

FAQs

How can I use "ordering me" in a sentence?

You can use "ordering me" to describe someone giving you instructions, often in a way that feels forceful or imposing. For example, "My boss started "ordering me around" by clicking her fingers."

What are some alternatives to "ordering me"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "commanding me", "directing me", or "instructing me".

What's the difference between "ordering me" and "asking me"?

"Ordering me" implies a demand or command, while "asking me" suggests a polite request. The former indicates a power dynamic, while the latter implies a more equal relationship.

Is it appropriate to use "ordering me" in professional communication?

It depends on the context. In general, it's best to avoid "ordering me" in professional settings, as it can sound aggressive or disrespectful. Opt for more neutral terms like "requesting me" or "asking me to" instead.