orders

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "orders" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to instructions given by an authority or a request for something to be done. Example sentence: The manager gave the employees their orders for the day.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Free UK p&p on online orders over £10.

The Guardian

Free UK p&p over £10, online orders only.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He asked Congolese soldiers and police to "protect citizens and not to obey perverse orders aimed at killing defenceless men and women".

The Guardian

Pressed on a statement by the rightwing interior minister, Angelino Alfano, about the imminent demise of Mare Nostrum, Foffi said that he received the prime minister's orders through the defence minister and reacting to Alfano's statement was "not the way that military men conduct their activities".

The Guardian

Incredible that they're even thinking about changing standing orders to limit voting rights of some MPs".

The Guardian

In an adjacent area of north Wales woodland, David Cameron orders a future inquiry into a decade-old inquiry about abuse in a children's home.

The Guardian

Prosecutors say that messages posted by Harris – who goes by the twitter handle @destructuremal – could show whether the defendant was aware that he was breaking police orders relating to the demo.

The Guardian

"Notwithstanding the decision made this afternoon it should be noted that the application for production orders was made under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE), NOT the Official Secrets Act (OSA).

The Guardian

In a conversation with Cephas Msipa, one of the few remaining Zapu ministers of what had been a government of national unity, Sekeramayi reportedly said that "not only was Mugabe fully aware of what was going on" but the Fifth Brigade was operating "under Mugabe's explicit orders".

The Guardian

Miliband brought in the community organiser Arnie Graf from Chicago to try to catalyse mass participation and allow party supporters to lead, rather than merely follow orders.

The Guardian - Opinion

Beyond encouraging online orders, which start on 10 April for the Apple Watch shipping on 24 April, Apple's first smartwatch won't be available directly from an Apple store in the UK, according to reports.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In business contexts, clarify the type of orders whether they are purchase orders or directives, to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming the meaning of "orders" based solely on context. Explicitly state whether you are referring to purchase orders, command directives, or another type of order to prevent misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "orders" is as a plural noun. It can represent multiple instructions, commands, or purchased items. Ludwig AI affirms this through numerous examples of its usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "orders" is a versatile and commonly used plural noun with distinct meanings depending on the context. It can refer to instructions, commands, or purchased items. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical correctness and wide range of examples from reputable sources like The Guardian and The New York Times demonstrate its reliability. Whether you're discussing military directives, business transactions, or legal mandates, understanding the appropriate use of "orders" ensures clear and effective communication. Pay attention to specify the type of orders (purchase, command, etc.) to avoid any possible confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

directives

Refers to authoritative instructions or commands.

commands

Implies a stronger sense of authority and control.

instructions

Focuses on providing guidance on how to perform a task.

mandates

Highlights the obligatory nature of the instructions.

regulations

Emphasizes formal rules and procedures.

stipulations

Specific conditions or requirements.

prescriptions

Often used in a medical or technical context, indicating required actions.

decrees

Formal orders issued by a legal authority.

arrangements

Plans or preparations for something.

purchases

Refers specifically to the act of buying goods or services.

FAQs

How can I use "orders" in a sentence?

You can use "orders" to refer to instructions from an authority, as in "The general issued his orders." Alternatively, it can refer to requests for goods or services, like in "We received many online orders."

What phrases are similar to "orders"?

Alternatives include "directives", "commands", or "instructions" when referring to instructions. When referring to requests, consider "purchases" or "requisitions".

Which is correct, "orders" or "order"?

Use "order" for a single instance or concept. Use "orders" for multiple instances or a general state of arrangement. For example, "I placed an order" versus "The troops received their orders".

What's the difference between "orders" and "requests"?

"Orders" often imply authority and obligation, while "requests" are more polite and optional. You follow "orders", but you fulfill "requests". You can use the word "demand" if you need a word that better suites your sentence.