under his orders

USAGE SUMMARY

"under his orders" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is following the instructions or commands of someone else. For example, "The troops were under his orders and followed them without hesitation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

And we'll put a team together under his orders.' And with time, if you chose well, you have a chance.

The Guardian - Sport

Just last month, Sharif was charged with seven more of the Juárez murders — also carried out from jail under his orders, the accusation says.

The New Yorker

He is accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed under his orders by his party's militiamen in the Central African Republic in 2002 and 2003.

The Economist

Sikowsky says he not only was a member of Al Capone's gang, but that Capone, Chicago hoodlum and vice racketeer, was under his orders.

The New York Times

He had to maintain order, veto petitions for armsa licences, hold under his orders and dispose of the Civil Guard, Carabineers, and local guards.

Cornell University

Just last month, Sharif was charged with seven more of the Juárez murders also carried out from jail under his orders, the accusation says.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Under his order, the decree would be in effect for 45 days, ending just two weeks before the presidential election, which is scheduled for Nov. 29.

The New York Times

Under his order, Microsoft would be broken into separate companies, one for its Windows operating system and one for its other businesses.

The New York Times

Private dinner parties for Jeff Koons fall under his order, and the biggest galas in town, like those at La Fenice Opera House or Save Venice Inc., seem all the better because of his creative flair.

The New York Times

Under his order, people convicted of nonviolent felonies will have their right to vote restored if they have completed their sentences, satisfied court-ordered conditions and have no pending felony charges.

The New York Times

[Text, Page C12.] Under his order, Microsoft would be broken into separate and competing companies, one for its Windows operating system and one for its other computer programs and Internet businesses.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "under his orders" to clearly establish a chain of command and accountability when describing actions taken by subordinates.

Common error

Avoid using "under his orders" when the superior did not explicitly direct the action. Implied consent or assumptions are not sufficient to justify the phrase's use.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under his orders" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the authority or direction behind an action. This is supported by Ludwig AI which identifies its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "under his orders" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate that an action was carried out due to the command or instruction of someone in authority. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts. This phrase frequently appears in news and media, as well as in academic and wiki sources, highlighting its versatility. While maintaining a neutral register, it is essential to use the phrase accurately, ensuring that a direct command was indeed given, not merely implied. Related phrases such as "at his command" and "on his authority" offer similar meanings with subtle differences in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at his command

This alternative emphasizes the power dynamic and the directness of the instruction.

on his authority

This alternative highlights the legitimacy and permission granted by the superior.

as he directed

This alternative focuses on the action being guided by his instructions.

following his instructions

This alternative emphasizes adherence to a set of guidelines provided by him.

pursuant to his directives

This is a more formal way of saying actions are taken in accordance with his official instructions.

acting on his behalf

This alternative suggests that the action is done as a representative or agent.

by his decree

This alternative implies a formal and authoritative pronouncement.

as per his mandate

This alternative highlights the scope of authority granted to him.

subject to his approval

This alternative suggests that the action needs his consent.

in compliance with his guidelines

This alternative emphasizes conforming to established procedures or recommendations.

FAQs

How can I use "under his orders" in a sentence?

You can use "under his orders" to indicate that someone is carrying out specific actions or tasks as instructed by a superior. For example, "The soldiers advanced "at his command"" or "The project proceeded "following his instructions"".

What phrases are similar to "under his orders"?

Similar phrases include "at his command", "on his authority", "as he directed", and "pursuant to his directives". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "under his orders" in formal writing?

Yes, "under his orders" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing hierarchical structures or official procedures. More formal alternatives such as "pursuant to his directives" can also be considered for very formal contexts.

What is the difference between "under his orders" and "with his permission"?

"Under his orders" implies a direct command or instruction that must be followed, while "with his permission" suggests that the action was allowed or authorized but not necessarily directed by him. The former indicates obligation, while the latter indicates consent.