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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
they are orders
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "they are orders" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to commands or directives that have been given, emphasizing their authoritative nature. Example: "When it comes to safety protocols, remember that they are orders, not suggestions."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Alternative expressions(2)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
9 human-written examples
"Compared to the numbers of people who are transacting and buying, they are orders of magnitude bigger".
News & Media
Their weakest point is that they are orders of magnitude slower when retrieving the precise positions of pattern occurrences.
These overhead times are not considered in the experiment model, since they are orders of magnitude lower than performance properties values in Table 2.
It was written under Chapter VI of the UN Charter, under which Security Council resolutions are recommendations, not under Chapter VII, which means they are orders.
News & Media
Kinetic codes can properly take into account the kinetic effects, but they are orders of magnitude more expensive than the fluid codes due to the increased degrees of freedom.
We can safely neglect the corrections due to the irregular shape of the Earth, both on the gravitational potential and on the satellite's orbit, since they are orders of magnitude smaller than the first order approximation [16].
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
50 human-written examples
If I want them to be orders, they are orders.
News & Media
Increasingly they are ordering online.
News & Media
And they are ordering ahead.
News & Media
"They are ordering more mince, sausages and chicken.
News & Media
They are printed as they are ordered, so there is never a backlog of unsold books.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "they are orders" when emphasizing the mandatory nature of instructions, especially in contexts where compliance is crucial. For example, in military or emergency response scenarios.
Common error
Avoid using "they are orders" in casual conversation or informal writing. The phrase carries a strong sense of authority and can sound overly formal or even aggressive if used inappropriately.
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "they are orders" primarily functions as a statement of command or directive. Examples in Ludwig show its use in contexts where instructions must be followed without deviation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical status.
Frequent in
News & Media
50%
Science
37%
Formal & Business
13%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "they are orders" is a grammatically correct phrase used to emphasize the mandatory nature of instructions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's best suited for contexts demanding strict compliance, such as formal or emergency situations. While authoritative sources like The New York Times and BBC use it, overuse in informal settings should be avoided. Alternatives such as "they are mandatory" can offer a milder tone when appropriate.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
they constitute commands
Replaces 'are orders' with a more formal and definitive expression.
they are directives
Substitutes 'orders' with 'directives', maintaining a similar level of formality and authority.
they are mandatory
Focuses on the obligatory nature of the orders, using a straightforward adjective.
they are compulsory
Similar to 'mandatory', but with a slightly stronger emphasis on legal or formal requirement.
they are requirements
Replaces 'orders' with 'requirements', shifting the focus to necessary conditions or prerequisites.
they are stipulations
Uses a more formal term, 'stipulations', to indicate specific conditions or demands.
they are regulations
Implies a set of rules or guidelines that must be followed.
they are edicts
Replaces 'orders' with 'edicts', conveying a sense of official decree or proclamation.
they are precepts
Substitutes 'orders' with 'precepts', suggesting a set of principles or rules guiding conduct.
they are the law
Indicates that the orders have the force of law, implying strict adherence is necessary.
FAQs
How can I use "they are orders" in a sentence?
You can use "they are orders" to emphasize the mandatory nature of instructions. For example, "In this company, safety protocols are not mere suggestions; "they are orders" and must be followed without exception".
What's a less formal alternative to "they are orders"?
Alternatives like "they are mandatory" or "they are required" can convey a similar meaning with a slightly less strict tone.
When is it appropriate to use "they are orders"?
It's appropriate to use "they are orders" in situations where absolute compliance is necessary, such as in military commands, emergency protocols, or strict company policies. This phrase emphasizes the lack of choice or negotiation.
Is there a difference between "they are orders" and "they are suggestions"?
Yes, "they are orders" implies a command that must be followed, while "they are suggestions" indicates a recommendation that can be considered. The former carries authority and expectation of compliance, while the latter offers a choice.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
88%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested