under orders

USAGE SUMMARY

"under orders" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to indicate when someone has been told to obey a command or instruction. For example: "The soldiers followed their commander's orders and marched under orders across the valley."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Under orders from McClellan, Brig.

The New York Times

"We all were under orders," he said.

The New Yorker

They're under orders to read it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Under orders, the young woman opened it.

The New York Times

He is under orders from his bosses.

The New York Times

(The Pentagon is under orders to reduce its carbon footprint).

The New York Times

After all, he's under orders to keep those numbers down.

The New York Times

The soldiers said they were acting under orders.

The New York Times

After that they were under orders not to harm him".

The New Yorker

She's under orders not to blab, but "I'm not Bond.

The Guardian - Film

Waiter: I'm sorry, sir, I'm under orders... Clarkson: Whose orders?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "under orders", ensure the context clearly identifies who issued the orders. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "under orders" when someone is simply following a suggestion or a piece of advice. "Under orders" implies a level of authority and obligation that a suggestion lacks.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under orders" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate that an action is being carried out because of a command or directive. It specifies the condition or reason behind the action, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "under orders" is a commonly used prepositional phrase that indicates actions taken due to direct commands or instructions. According to Ludwig, its usage is grammatically correct and appears most frequently in news and media sources. It conveys a sense of obligation and lack of personal volition, distinguishing it from actions based on suggestions or personal initiative. To maintain clarity, specifying the source of the orders is essential. "Under orders" carries a neutral to formal tone, suitable for a wide range of contexts. Related phrases include "following orders" and "as instructed", offering nuanced alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

following orders

Similar to "under orders" but places more emphasis on the act of following.

on command

Focuses on the immediacy and directness of the instruction.

as instructed

Highlights adherence to specific instructions given.

acting on instructions

Emphasizes the act of following instructions, with a slight focus on the action itself.

by direction of

A more formal way to indicate actions taken following someone's guidance.

directed by

Highlights the person or entity giving the instruction.

pursuant to instructions

A legal or formal term emphasizing compliance with official directives.

at the behest of

Indicates a request or order, often from someone in a position of power.

as per directives

A more formal phrase indicating compliance with specific guidelines.

subject to instruction

Highlights the conditional nature of the action, depending on received instructions.

FAQs

How to use "under orders" in a sentence?

You can use "under orders" to indicate that someone is acting because they have been given a direct command or instruction. For example, "The soldiers advanced "on command" under orders from their captain."

What can I say instead of "under orders"?

You can use alternatives like "following orders", "as instructed", or ""on command"" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "under orders" or "following orders"?

Both "under orders" and "following orders" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably in many contexts. However, "following orders" might emphasize the action of compliance, while "under orders" might emphasize the state of being directed.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "under orders"?

Use "under orders" when you want to emphasize that someone's actions are not of their own volition but are dictated by a superior or authority. It's suitable for describing military actions, corporate directives, or any situation where someone is compelled to act as instructed.