was able to order

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was able to order" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone successfully managed to place an order for something, often after some effort or difficulty. Example: "After waiting for hours, she was able to order her favorite dish from the restaurant."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

He was able to order a copy.

The New York Times

I was able to order two gifts in 30 minutes and have them delivered to friends in two different locations.

The New York Times

Eventually, almost a year after I applied for a powerchair, I was able to order the right one for me.

The Guardian

Through a grant from the non-profit University Section Club, Perez was able to order dozens of child-sized, and even toddler-sized, caps and gowns, and the center loans them to student parents.

University of California, Berkeley

Then, King Bhumibol Adulyadej was able to order a truce between the army chief and the protest leader, and appoint an interim administration to steer the country out of crisis.

The Economist

Things were slow enough that I was able to order it without the roasted red peppers (which my stomach cannot tolerate), but for some reason that prompted them to leave off the onions, too.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

They are used to being able to order people around".

The Guardian

With hand signs we were able to order (no menus).

The New York Times

You may even be able to order chocolates and flowers.

The New York Times - Tech

People were able to order physical postcards for free.

The Guardian

Would testers be able to order material or email citations?

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was able to order" when you want to emphasize the successful completion of an ordering process, especially when there might have been obstacles or difficulties involved. For instance, "Despite the website crashing repeatedly, she was able to order the tickets just in time."

Common error

Avoid using "was able to ordered". The correct form is "was able to order", as "to" is followed by the base form of the verb.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was able to order" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the successful completion of an action, specifically the act of placing an order. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in various contexts, from ordering gifts to restoring power.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was able to order" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate the successful completion of an ordering process. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as a verbal phrase conveying the ability to place an order, often implying that some effort or opportunity was involved. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, its neutral register makes it suitable for various writing styles. When using this phrase, ensure correct tense usage and consider alternatives like "managed to order" or "succeeded in ordering" for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

managed to order

Focuses on the successful effort in placing the order, implying overcoming some difficulty.

succeeded in ordering

Highlights the successful outcome of the ordering process.

arranged to order

Indicates a preparatory step was taken before the order could be placed.

could order

Emphasizes the possibility or permission to place the order.

had the ability to order

Highlights the capability or power to place an order.

was permitted to order

Indicates authorization was granted to place the order.

obtained the means to order

Highlights the resources or opportunity needed to place the order.

was in a position to order

Focuses on the favorable circumstances that allowed the order to be placed.

effected an order

Emphasizes the action of making the order happen.

completed the order

Highlights the order process coming to an end.

FAQs

What does "was able to order" mean?

The phrase "was able to order" means that someone had the opportunity or ability to successfully place an order for something. It indicates that they managed to complete the ordering process, often implying that there might have been some effort or a specific condition that allowed them to do so.

How can I use "was able to order" in a sentence?

You can use "was able to order" to describe a past event where someone successfully placed an order. For example: "After waiting in line for hours, I "managed to order" the limited-edition item."

What are some alternatives to "was able to order"?

Alternatives to "was able to order" include "managed to order", "succeeded in ordering", or "could order", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "was able to order" formal or informal?

"Was able to order" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It's a neutral phrase that can be used in various types of writing and conversation.