sense of order

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sense of order" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a feeling of structure or organization when things are kept in their proper place. For example, "She was very impressed with the way her boss kept her desk neat and orderly - it was clear he had a strong sense of order."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There was not a sense of order".

Independent

Also I love a sense of order.

The New York Times - Magazine

They pique our improvised sense of order.

The Guardian - Opinion

The classical sense of order dissolves.

The New York Times - Arts

There's a sense of order, unlike at the Red Cross.

The New York Times

"Sterne dissolved the sense of order," Pritchett wrote.

The Guardian - Books

You get a sense of order from arranging things.

The Guardian - Books

But life should have an underlying sense of order".

The New York Times

"But now we're here, there's no sense of order.

The Guardian

Any sense of order that you see is an illusion.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I think human beings pick up a sense of order.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sense of order" to describe an inherent or perceived structure, whether in personal habits, societal systems, or artistic compositions.

Common error

Avoid using "sense of order" to justify rigid control or suppression of individuality. The phrase implies structure and clarity, not necessarily strict adherence to rules.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sense of order" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It describes a feeling, perception, or appreciation for structure and arrangement, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

8%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sense of order" is a versatile noun phrase used to describe a feeling or perception of structure and organization. Grammatically correct and widely accepted, as confirmed by Ludwig, it's common in various contexts, particularly in news, business, and scientific domains. When using this phrase, focus on its implication of structure rather than rigid authoritarianism. Consider alternatives like "feeling of organization" or "sense of structure" depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Given its frequent usage in authoritative sources, mastering the use of "sense of order" will enhance clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sense of structure

Focuses on the framework and arrangement of elements.

feeling of organization

Emphasizes the subjective perception of being organized.

feeling of control

Emphasizes the emotional aspect of being in control rather than just structure.

organized mindset

Focuses on the mental state and habits that promote order.

systematic approach

Highlights the methodology and planning involved in achieving order.

structured environment

Shifts the focus to the external surroundings rather than internal perception.

methodical arrangement

Stresses the careful and deliberate placement of elements.

disciplined routine

Highlights the regularity and adherence to established processes.

perception of regulation

Stresses the awareness of established guidelines and norms.

patterned arrangement

Underscores the recurring and predictable nature of the ordering.

FAQs

How can I use "sense of order" in a sentence?

You can use "sense of order" to describe situations where there's a structured arrangement or a feeling of control. For example, "The new manager brought a "sense of order" to the chaotic office."

What's a good alternative to "sense of order"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "feeling of organization", "sense of structure", or "systematic approach".

Is "sense of order" formal or informal?

"Sense of order" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. Its usage depends on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the writing.

How does "sense of order" differ from "obsession with order"?

"Sense of order" implies a preference for structure and organization, whereas "obsession with order" suggests an excessive and potentially unhealthy fixation on neatness and control.