was out of order

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was out of order" is correct and commonly used in written English to describe something that is not functioning properly or is not in the expected or desired state.
Example: The printer in the office was out of order, so we had to find another way to print our documents.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

What if the elevator was out of order?

The New York Times

Our second disappointment was the announcement that the elevator was out of order.

The New York Times - Travel

So we're clear, the way he was reportedly treated was out of order.

The Guardian - Opinion

Lucas asked for a cloture vote on the rule change, but opponents contended that the motion was out of order.

Wikipedia

"Simone was out of order," Dawa said.

The New Yorker

I thought that was out of order.

The Guardian - Sport

The lift was out of order.

The Guardian - Books

It was out of order and out of character, Westy".

The New Yorker

The control center's main line was out of order.

The New York Times

It was unmanned because it was out of order.

The New York Times

(A prominently displayed A.T.M. was out of order).

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing malfunctioning equipment or systems, use "was out of order" to clearly indicate a temporary or correctable issue. For permanent breakdowns, "was broken" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "was out of order" to describe someone's behavior if "was inappropriate" or "was out of line" is more fitting. The former is better suited for mechanical failures, the latter for social transgressions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was out of order" functions primarily as a predicate adjective, describing the state of a noun as not being in proper working condition or in the correct sequence. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, supported by numerous examples of the phrase describing malfunctioning equipment or systems.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

81%

Wiki

7%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was out of order" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe something not functioning correctly or being in an improper state. As Ludwig AI validates, its primary function is to predicate a state of malfunction or irregularity. Predominantly found in news and media sources, as well as in wikis, this phrase maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Alternative phrases like "was not functioning" or "was broken" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Be mindful of using "was out of order" for equipment rather than applying it incorrectly to social behavior, where "was inappropriate" is more appropriate. Whether it's a broken elevator or a derailed plan, "was out of order" offers a clear and concise way to express that something isn't working as it should.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was not functioning

Emphasizes the lack of operational capability.

was broken

A more direct and simple way to state that something is not working.

was not working

Similar to 'was not functioning' but slightly less formal.

was defective

Highlights that the item had an inherent flaw.

was malfunctioning

Focuses on the erratic or improper operation of something.

was faulty

Suggests a flaw in design or manufacture.

was not in order

Slightly more formal and can be used to indicate procedural errors.

was inappropriate

Shifts the meaning towards something being improper or unsuitable in a social context.

was improper

Similar to 'was inappropriate', but carries a slightly more formal tone.

was amiss

Indicates that something was wrong or not as it should be.

FAQs

How can I use "was out of order" in a sentence?

Use "was out of order" to describe something that is temporarily not functioning correctly, such as "The elevator "was out of order" this morning, so I had to take the stairs."

What's a simple alternative to "was out of order"?

A simpler alternative is "was broken", especially in informal contexts. For example, "The coffee machine "was broken", so there's no coffee today" conveys the same idea.

Is it correct to say something "is out of order"?

Yes, "is out of order" is the present tense form, while "was out of order" is the past tense. Both are grammatically correct depending on the time frame you're referencing.

When should I use "was inappropriate" instead of "was out of order"?

Use "was inappropriate" when describing actions or behaviors that violate social norms or rules. "Was out of order" is better suited for describing malfunctions.