whose orders

USAGE SUMMARY

'whose orders' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to refer to a person who has the authority to give orders or instructions to someone else. For example: The troops are preparing to carry out the general's orders, whose orders are never to be disobeyed.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

But they were changed into dogs by Tezcatlipoca, whose orders they had disobeyed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

On whose orders was it cut, and why was it abandoned?

The New Yorker

Nobody seems to know on whose orders it was cut, or why, or how it came to be abandoned.

The New Yorker

Modi claims to have fled for fear of the Mumbai underworld, whose orders to fix matches he rejected.

The New York Times - Books

Mr. Greifeld also said his company was seeking ways to help out investors whose orders had been wrongly canceled.

The New York Times

Yet these are also the products whose orders are the first to be cancelled when economies slow and companies trim investment.

The Economist

The government authorities have moved aggressively in recent days to act on the complaints, though it is not clear on whose orders they are acting.

The New York Times

A pleasant hour later, the exchange lets the broker know whose orders have been executed, and an employee calls out the lucky numbers to the group.

The Economist

The result was that customers whose orders had been sent to the New York Stock Exchange did not end up selling $30 stocks for $1.

The New York Times

He was depicted as a frighteningly authoritarian figure who treated the force "like his own personal territory" and whose orders nobody – tragically – dared debate.

The Guardian - Sport

Executing their own orders gave them a head start over ordinary investors, whose orders could take minutes to reach the floor.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "whose orders" to clearly indicate the source of authority or instructions, ensuring accountability and understanding of responsibility.

Common error

Avoid using "whose orders" when the source of authority is ambiguous or unknown; instead, clarify the chain of command or investigate the origins of the instructions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "whose orders" functions as a possessive determiner modifying the noun "orders". It typically introduces a question or statement concerning the source or origin of instructions or directives. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "whose orders" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as validated by Ludwig AI. It serves primarily to inquire about or specify the origin of instructions, carrying a neutral tone suitable for various contexts. Its prevalence in news, science, and encyclopedic sources highlights its versatility. Related alternatives include "on whose authority" and "under whose command", offering nuanced ways to convey the concept of authoritative instruction. Understanding the appropriate use of "whose orders" ensures clarity and accountability in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on whose authority

Focuses on the legitimacy and power behind the instructions, rather than the specific instructions themselves.

under whose command

Implies a hierarchical structure where instructions are given by a superior.

by whose direction

Highlights the guidance and management aspect of the instructions.

following whose instructions

Emphasizes the act of adhering to the given instructions.

at whose behest

Suggests a formal or imperative manner of instruction.

pursuant to whose directive

Indicates that actions are being taken in accordance with a specific official instruction.

according to whose dictates

Highlights the controlling nature of the instructions.

on whose say-so

Suggests a less formal or authoritative instruction.

based on whose guidance

Emphasizes the role of advice and counsel in the decision-making process.

with whose approval

Focuses on the consent and permission granted for certain actions.

FAQs

How do I use "whose orders" in a sentence?

Use "whose orders" to inquire about or specify the person or entity giving instructions. For example, "It is not clear on "whose orders" the security services were acting."

What's a formal alternative to "whose orders"?

In formal contexts, consider using "on whose authority" or "under whose command" for a more official tone.

Is it correct to say "who's orders" instead of "whose orders"?

No, "who's" is a contraction of "who is" or "who has", while "whose" is the possessive form. Therefore, ""whose orders"" is the correct possessive form to use.

How does the context affect the use of "whose orders"?

The context determines the formality and specificity needed. In military or hierarchical settings, "under whose command" might be more appropriate, while in general inquiries, ""whose orders"" suffices.