purchase order

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "purchase order" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an order that customers submit to a supplier to buy goods or services. For example: "The customer sent a purchase order for five boxes of printer paper."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They could do with a compulsory purchase order on him.

The Guardian - Sport

"The cost of a purchase order is typically $100.

The Economist

Requester also receives a copy of the approved Purchase Order.

Stanford University

A new Purchase Order is required for the new product.

Cornell University

Supplier receives email that purchase order has been approved.

Stanford University

Incomplete purchase order is automatically routed to Contracts Team.

Stanford University

There are two payment options: credit card and purchase order.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Contract Advisor approves purchase order in the Oracle Financial System; updated purchase order is sent via email.

Stanford University

That can happen years in advance of a compulsory purchase order being made.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The purchase-order numbers are already plugged in and you get the percentage on everything.

The New Yorker

(Banks may dabble in purchase-order financing, but usually only for existing clients.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When creating a "purchase order", ensure all details are accurate and complete, including item descriptions, quantities, agreed prices, and delivery terms to avoid disputes and delays.

Common error

Avoid issuing a "purchase order" without clearly specifying payment terms, shipping addresses, and contact information. Incomplete information can lead to processing delays and incorrect deliveries.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "purchase order" functions primarily as a noun, identifying a specific type of commercial document. Ludwig and its examples demonstrate that it is used to name the document issued by a buyer to a seller.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Academia

31%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Science

8%

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

0.03%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "purchase order" is a very common noun phrase referring to a commercial document issued by a buyer to a seller. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct. It is widely used across various fields, including news, academia, and business, with a professional register. The phrase clearly identifies a formal request for goods or services, ensuring transparency and accountability in transactions. When using "purchase order", it's crucial to include all necessary details to avoid errors and delays. Related terms include "PO", "procurement document", and "commercial order". Understanding the nuances of "purchase order" enhances effective communication and operational efficiency in diverse professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

PO

Abbreviation commonly used in business and finance to refer to a purchase order.

procurement document

Emphasizes the official nature of the order as part of a procurement process.

commercial order

Highlights the business or commercial aspect of the order.

requisition

Focuses on the internal request within an organization that precedes a formal purchase order.

order form

Refers to the physical or digital form used to place the order.

acquisition request

Highlights the intent to acquire goods or services.

supply request

Focuses on the need for supplies.

materials order

Specifies that the order is for materials, typically for manufacturing or construction.

services agreement

Implies a more formal arrangement for ongoing services, rather than a one-time purchase.

contract for goods

Highlights the contractual aspect of the order, emphasizing legal obligations.

FAQs

How to use "purchase order" in a sentence?

You can use "purchase order" in a sentence like: "The supplier requires a valid "purchase order" before processing the shipment."

What's the difference between a "purchase order" and an invoice?

A "purchase order" is issued by the buyer to request goods or services, while an invoice is sent by the seller to request payment for goods or services already provided.

What information should be included in a "purchase order"?

A "purchase order" should include the item descriptions, quantities, prices, shipping address, billing address, payment terms, and a unique "purchase order" number.

Can a "purchase order" be cancelled?

Whether a "purchase order" can be cancelled depends on the supplier's policies and the terms agreed upon when the order was placed. Review the terms and conditions or contact the supplier directly.