standing order

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "standing order" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to a pre-arranged instruction or agreement for a regular payment or arrangement to be made, usually from one bank account to another. Example: "The rent for my apartment is automatically deducted from my bank account every month through a standing order I set up with my landlord." "The company has a standing order with its suppliers to deliver new products on the first Monday of every month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His standing order: about 325 clams a day.

The New York Times

We have a standing order for 1,000 bales".

The New York Times

The company's chief distributor had a standing order for sixty thousand copies of every new title.

The New Yorker

"One of the more horrible moments was cancelling a standing order going into Alex's bank account.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We'll keep your details secure, and use the form to set up the standing order.

The Guardian

They charge up to £39 for a bounced cheque, standing order or direct debit.

The Guardian - Money

Almost every transaction was made by direct debit, standing order, card or, for little payments, cash.

The Guardian - Money

You can then set up a standing order to transfer a monthly salary into your first account".

Independent

That's the luxury: if you can pay your bills with a standing order, you're living the dream!

Independent

And "lord" is a big word for somebody who sets up a standing order and buggers off to Thailand.

Independent

"Move your lump sum into another account and send yourself a standing order each week or month," says Baker.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to bank transfers, clearly specify the frequency (e.g. "monthly standing order") to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "standing order" when you mean a one-time or ad-hoc order. A "standing order" implies a recurring arrangement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "standing order" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a pre-authorized instruction for regular payments or an established rule or procedure. It can also denote a continuous or long-term order for goods or services, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

9%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Unknown

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "standing order" is a versatile phrase primarily functioning as a noun with several key meanings, from a regular payment instruction to a procedural rule. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and widely used. Its register ranges from neutral to professional, with frequency highest in News & Media and followed by Science and Formal & Business contexts. To avoid confusion, ensure the context clarifies whether you're referring to financial arrangements or procedural rules. Also, be mindful that Ludwig provides several example sentences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

recurring payment

Replaces the legal or formal tone of "standing order" with a simpler description of its function.

automatic payment

Focuses on the automation aspect, suitable when the method of payment is key.

regular installment

Highlights the periodic nature of the payment, useful in financial contexts.

payment plan

Emphasizes the structured agreement for payments over time.

established procedure

Shifts the context from finance to general operations or processes.

accepted practice

Similar to established procedure, but focuses on the idea that something is widely done.

set rule

Focuses on the aspect of the order being a rule that is pre-defined.

mandatory protocol

Highlights the obligatory nature and formal context of the order.

standing agreement

Replaces the word 'order' with 'agreement,' making it useful in legal or collaborative settings.

ongoing directive

Focuses on the active and continuing nature of the instruction.

FAQs

How do I set up a "standing order"?

You typically set up a "standing order" through your bank, providing them with the recipient's details, the amount to transfer, and the frequency of the payments. Contact your bank for specific instructions.

What's the difference between a "standing order" and a direct debit?

A "standing order" is an instruction from you to your bank to pay a fixed amount to a specific recipient regularly. A direct debit, however, is an authorization for a company to withdraw varying amounts from your account.

Can I cancel a "standing order"?

Yes, you can cancel a "standing order" by contacting your bank and instructing them to stop the payments. It's also advisable to inform the recipient of your decision.

What can I say instead of "standing order"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "recurring payment", "automatic payment", or "regular installment".