orderly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "orderly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is arranged or organized in a neat and systematic way. Example: "The files were stored in an orderly manner, making it easy to find what I needed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So this EU member-state's economic conditions are very different from those which led Hitler, in Haider's words, to introduce 'an orderly employment policy'.

The Guardian - Business

Then, Labor seemed to have it all: it was widely assumed Rudd would win at least two terms and his deputy would naturally step into Australia's top job, in time and in an orderly way.

The Guardian

You can go round them in an orderly fashion, but we opted to go around the houses in order to get as much sailing experience as possible.

The Guardian - Travel

The WWF/ANU report contends that Australia is well placed to make an orderly and low-cost transition to decarbonisation if the government can send clear and predictable policy and regulatory signals to the market, and resist special pleading from the owners of carbon intensive assets.

The Guardian

Yet what has been unfolding in the past 15 months or so should make even the most ardent pro-European think about an orderly mechanism for making member states exit: the euro crisis and, less obviously, Hungary's backsliding from liberal democracy to a soft form of authoritarianism, or what an American paper recently called "Lukashenko lite".

The Guardian - Opinion

Scala told the press conference immediately after Blatter announced his early retirement that it was "the only way to achieve an orderly transition".

The Guardian - Sport

Unlike a stockhouse, this is set out like a real store with orderly displays and even changing rooms.

The Guardian - Travel

The first few years of parliament were orderly, or at least orderly enough for the speaker to keep the peace without threats of namings or suspensions.

The Guardian

Related: My revision diary: students share their stories Keeping your study area tidy, making lists and storing your documents in an orderly fashion will all help when revising for exams.

The Guardian

"There are no dignified exits and orderly transitions, just exits and transition," he warned Blair.

The Guardian

An orderly mechanism for exiting from the eurozone should be devised and then essentially be removed from manipulation by national elites.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "orderly", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you're referring to physical arrangement, a systematic process, or peaceful conduct. This adds clarity to your writing.

Common error

While "orderly" often implies organization, it can also convey a sense of peacefulness or adherence to rules. Don't limit your understanding of "orderly" to just physical arrangement; consider the broader implications of its usage.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "orderly" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe their state of being neat, systematic, or well-behaved. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically sound and frequently observed in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "orderly" is a versatile adjective signifying neatness, system, or peaceful conduct. As Ludwig AI's analysis confirms, its grammatical correctness and wide usage make it a valuable addition to any writer's vocabulary. It is frequently used in "News & Media" and "Formal & Business" contexts. While alternatives like "well-organized" or "systematic" exist, understanding the subtle nuances of "orderly" enhances precision in writing. Remember to consider whether you're referring to physical arrangement, a systematic process, or peaceful conduct when employing this term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

well-organized

Focuses on the structured arrangement and systematic approach.

organized

Focuses on the state of being arranged systematically.

systematic

Emphasizes the methodical and planned nature.

methodical

Highlights the structured step-by-step approach.

neat and tidy

Emphasizes cleanliness and absence of disarray.

well-regulated

Suggests controlled and governed arrangement.

structured

Implies a specific arrangement.

disciplined

Highlights self-control and adherence to rules.

in good order

Highlights an organized and well-maintained state.

shipshape

Evokes an image of meticulous neatness, originally nautical.

FAQs

How can I use "orderly" in a sentence?

You can use "orderly" to describe something that is neat and organized, like "an orderly desk", or something that is well-behaved and peaceful, like "an orderly crowd".

What can I say instead of "orderly"?

You can use alternatives like "well-organized", "systematic", or "methodical" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "orderly" or "in an orderly manner"?

Both are correct, but "orderly" is more concise. "In an orderly manner" is more formal and emphasizes the process, while "orderly" as an adjective directly describes the subject.

What's the difference between "orderly" and "organized"?

"Orderly" often implies a greater degree of neatness and adherence to rules, while "organized" simply means arranged systematically. An "organized" system may not necessarily be "orderly" if it's not neat or well-behaved.