ordering the same thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ordering the same thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to multiple people or parties choosing identical items, typically in the context of food or products. Example: "When we went out to eat, everyone ended up ordering the same thing: the chef's special."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

She decided to keep on ordering the same thing, to invite people to do it along with her, to document all the little nuances and repetitions, and to call it art, though she didn't really care if anybody agreed.

The New York Times - Arts

The salarymen in a French restaurant all timidly ordering the same thing as their boss (sole, consommé, no salad) only to be upstaged by their most junior colleague and his à la carte request for quenelle, escargots and an '81 Corton-Charlemagne.

The Guardian - Film

The main downside is that if you've been ordering Frichti regularly, you'll end up ordering the same thing over and over again.

TechCrunch

As I walked over to serve Brian, a man who's been ordering the same thing since the day I started, he asked me how the hunt was going.

Huffington Post

I've been to Chi Spacca three times in four months, and I keep ordering the same thing: the costata alla Fiorentina and the Little Gem salad, and I love the "Moorish" lamb shoulder chop.

Los Angeles Times

I can't possibly eat everything that interests me on a menu, but I sure would love a bite of whatever you ordered (because hell no, we are not ordering the same thing).

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The Cheesecake Factory is known for its extensive menu offerings, but Nikki-Lee said she and Tommy usually end up ordering the same things.

Huffington Post

I always order the same thing: eggs, bacon and toast.

The New York Times

The customer said that she had several times ordered the same thing and never been surcharged.

The New Yorker

I  can go to a restaurant and order the same thing for 10 years.

The Guardian

And, not wanting to embarrass me, Ralph ordered the same thing.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about group dining experiences, use "ordering the same thing" to clearly indicate that multiple people selected identical dishes, creating a sense of unity or shared preference.

Common error

Avoid using "ordering the same thing" when you mean people are ordering similar but not identical items. Be precise in your language to avoid confusing readers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ordering the same thing" functions as a verbal phrase, typically part of a larger sentence structure, describing the action of selecting identical items. Ludwig provides examples showcasing its use in diverse narratives, reinforcing its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ordering the same thing" is a grammatically sound and common expression used to describe the act of multiple individuals selecting the identical item, typically within a dining or purchasing context. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and prevalence in various sources, predominantly in News & Media. While it maintains a neutral register, it’s important to ensure contextual accuracy to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "requesting the same item" can offer more formal options, while phrases like "getting the same stuff" provide a casual tone. This phrase serves to highlight uniformity or shared preferences in decision-making scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

requesting the same item

Focuses on the action of requesting, implying a more formal context.

choosing the same selection

Emphasizes the act of making a choice from a set of options.

opting for the identical product

Highlights the product being identical rather than the action of ordering.

selecting the very same item

Adds emphasis on the precise sameness of the chosen item.

picking the same option

Suggests a simpler or more casual selection process.

going for the duplicate order

Highlights the order being a duplicate of another.

duplicating the previous order

Focuses on the action of making an order identical to one already placed.

getting the same stuff

An informal way of saying ordering the same item.

purchasing identical goods

Implies a more formal context of buying goods.

acquiring the equivalent merchandise

Highlights the merchandise being equivalent.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "ordering the same thing" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "requesting the same item" or "selecting the identical product", which carry a more professional connotation.

What's a more casual way to say "ordering the same thing"?

Informally, you could say "getting the same stuff" or "picking the same option". These options are appropriate for relaxed, conversational contexts.

Is it correct to say "ordering the same" instead of "ordering the same thing"?

While "ordering the same" might be understood, it's less precise and can sound incomplete. "Ordering the same thing" is grammatically clearer and more commonly used.

In what situations is it best to use "ordering the same thing"?

Use "ordering the same thing" when you want to emphasize that multiple people are choosing the exact same item, especially in dining or purchasing scenarios. It highlights a shared choice or lack of individual variation.