the orders of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the orders of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to commands or directives given by someone in authority. Example: "The orders of the commanding officer must be followed at all times."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"They did what they did on the orders of Serbia.

The Guardian

Suspicion was one of the orders of last week.

The Guardian - Film

"They did not accept the orders of foreigners".

The New York Times

Assistant secretary (Insignia), Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood.

The Guardian

They are following the orders of the S.L.A.

The New York Times - Magazine

Ionic order, one of the orders of classical architecture.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I was simply following the orders of my doctors.

The New York Times

"Instead, they got caught in the trap of focusing on the orders of today instead of preparing for the orders of tomorrow".

The New York Times

I run to the gym and burn calories, sometimes on the orders of a trainer, sometimes on the orders of my own fear.

The New York Times

The boy was killed on the orders of Dr. Zawahiri, he said.

The New York Times

His role, he said, was to obey the orders of the president.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the orders of", ensure the context clearly indicates who is issuing the orders and who is expected to follow them. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "the orders of" when the situation involves suggestions or recommendations, as this phrase implies a hierarchical structure and a mandatory compliance that may not be present.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the orders of" functions as a prepositional phrase, often modifying a verb or noun to indicate that an action or event is occurring under the direction or command of someone or something. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

25%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the orders of" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate that actions are carried out under the direction or command of an authority. Ludwig AI confirms it is a correct and usable phrase. It is frequently found in news and media, scientific articles, and encyclopedic entries, suggesting a neutral to formal register. While it conveys a sense of authority and compliance, writers should ensure it's used appropriately to avoid implying mandatory compliance where it doesn't exist. Alternatives such as "under the command of" or "at the direction of" can be used to vary the language while maintaining the core meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under the command of

Replaces "orders" with "command" and restructures the sentence, emphasizing direct authority.

upon the instructions of

Substitutes "orders" with "instructions", highlighting guidance rather than strict commands.

at the direction of

Uses "direction" instead of "orders", suggesting a more general guidance or leadership.

following the dictates of

Employs "dictates" to convey a sense of authoritative pronouncements that must be obeyed.

pursuant to the directives of

Replaces "orders" with "directives" and adds "pursuant to" for a more formal tone, emphasizing compliance.

in accordance with the regulations of

Substitutes "orders" with "regulations", focusing on rules or guidelines instead of personal commands.

on the authority of

Highlights the legitimacy behind the instruction, shifting focus from the command itself.

as per the mandates of

Uses "mandates" to indicate official decrees or requirements that must be followed.

acting on the instructions from

Focuses on the action taken as a result of the instructions, rather than the command itself.

under the supervision of

Indicates that actions are being overseen or guided by someone in a supervisory role.

FAQs

How can I use "the orders of" in a sentence?

You can use "the orders of" to indicate that someone is acting under the command or instruction of another person or entity. For example, "The soldiers moved out on "the orders of" their commander."

What can I say instead of "the orders of"?

Alternatives include "under the command of", "on the authority of", or "at the direction of", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "the orders of" or "the instructions of"?

"The orders of" typically implies a more authoritative and hierarchical relationship, while "the instructions of" can suggest a more collaborative or guidance-based interaction.

When is it inappropriate to use "the orders of"?

It's inappropriate to use "the orders of" when referring to suggestions, advice, or non-binding requests. This phrase implies a strict command structure that isn't suitable for informal or collaborative settings.