we are ordered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are ordered" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is instructed or commanded to do something, often in a formal or authoritative manner. Example: "As part of the military protocol, we are ordered to report to the command center at 0800 hours."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

He is probably not alone, and we are ordered to stay put.

The New York Times - Magazine

When did magnanimity cease to be one of those famous British virtues we are ordered to share?

The Guardian

To this end, therefore, we are ordered to keep two Mondays in this week, which will set us straight".

The New York Times

The technology for the filming is distinctly low-tech (we are ordered to remain entirely static because there is only one microphone to pick up everything).

The Guardian

"In the infrequent event that we are ordered by the court to remove a decision from Westlaw," explained John Shaughnessy, a spokesman for the service, which is owned by Thomson Reuters, "we will comply with the order, deleting the text of the decision but keeping the title of the case and its docket number.

The New York Times

If we are ordered to hand over any data, we will work to ensure you are properly notified before the government receives any information about you or your listing.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

"We are ordering a grammar book ASAP; that was a weakness," she added.

The New York Times

That's why we are ordering lima beans, corn on the cob, steak and kidney pie and mashed potatoes".

The New York Times - Magazine

"We will be ordering components from our suppliers and there is a big difference if we are ordering those components for eight, 10, 12 or 14 units.

BBC

We are ordering several appetizers to share.

HuffPost

"So amazing we are ordering hundreds of millions of dollars of new airplanes for the Air Force, especially the F-35.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we are ordered", ensure the context clearly indicates who is giving the order. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "we are ordered" without specifying the authority or entity that issued the order. Failing to do so can leave the reader wondering who is in charge and undermine the credibility of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are ordered" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that a group is the recipient of an order. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is grammatically correct. This construction emphasizes the action being imposed upon the group.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we are ordered" is a grammatically sound phrase used to indicate that a group has received instructions or commands from an external authority. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and the examples show its presence in News & Media contexts. While semantically interchangeable alternatives like "we are instructed" or "we are commanded" exist, "we are ordered" often implies a formal or structured environment, such as military or organizational contexts. When using this phrase, clarity is key; ensure the source of the order is clearly indicated to avoid ambiguity. Although not very common in everyday conversation, it effectively communicates compliance with a directive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we have been instructed

Replaces "ordered" with "instructed", offering a slightly less forceful tone.

we have been commanded

Substitutes "ordered" with "commanded", emphasizing authority and directness.

we are required

Uses "required" instead of "ordered", indicating a necessity or obligation.

we are directed

Replaces "ordered" with "directed", implying guidance or supervision.

we are under orders

Shifts the focus to the state of being subject to orders, rather than the act of ordering.

orders have been given to us

Restructures the sentence to highlight the giving of orders, rather than the receiving.

instructions were issued to us

Emphasizes the issuance of instructions, providing a more formal tone.

we are compelled

Uses "compelled" instead of "ordered", suggesting a strong sense of obligation.

we are bound

Replaces "ordered" with "bound", indicating a legal or moral obligation.

it is our duty

Shifts the focus to the obligation or responsibility, rather than the command itself.

FAQs

How can I use "we are ordered" in a sentence?

Use "we are ordered" to indicate that a group is instructed or commanded to do something, usually by someone in authority. For example, "As soldiers, "we are ordered" to follow commands without question".

What are some alternatives to saying "we are ordered"?

You can use alternatives such as "we are instructed", "we are commanded", or "we are required" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when describing orders?

Whether to use active or passive voice depends on the desired emphasis. Active voice (e.g., "The general ordered us") highlights the order-giver, while passive voice (e.g., ""we are ordered"") emphasizes the recipients and the action they must take.

What's the difference between "we are ordered" and "we were ordered"?

"We are ordered" indicates a present or ongoing state of being under orders, while "we were ordered" refers to a past instance of receiving orders.