work to order

USAGE SUMMARY

"work to order" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where a task is done according to a request or specific instructions. For example, "We provide bespoke furniture made to order so that customers can design their own pieces."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"If I'm working with an artist, I need to make sure they're not making work to order – it would be less strong if somebody wants to please.

The Guardian - Arts

But he does say that "it was always going to be difficult for a lyric poet who relies on strong feeling to produce work to order.

The Guardian - Books

The findings come as universities and government ministers have expressed concern about the growth of essay mills, which offer pieces of academic work to order for a fee.

The Guardian

Zero-day flaws are a burgeoning commercial field in the underground hacker economy where some gangs work to order for commercial or government clients which want to break into systems.

The Guardian - Tech

He said he had to fill out paper work to order a single washer and waited one day to receive it from the outside supplier.

Huffington Post

Pay on time, work to order, play by the rules.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

He, a professional magician, called the entertainment trade magazine for which she worked to order a subscription.

The New York Times

They were directed to work collectively to order the 33 cards on a 'forced choice frequency distribution' grid (Fig.  2).

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

You will have to work for him in order to order it.

WikiHow

[C5.] HealthSouth continues to work to bring order to its internal management and financial reporting.

The New York Times

"That's what is being discussed, honest joint work to bring order.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When commissioning creative projects, use "work to order" to clarify that the artist should follow specific guidelines while still retaining their unique style.

Common error

Avoid over-specifying the requirements when requesting "work to order" from artists. Allow room for creative freedom within the given framework to get the best results.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "work to order" functions as a descriptor, typically modifying a noun to indicate that the associated activity is performed according to specific instructions or requests. Ludwig AI confirms that it is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

14%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "work to order" describes activities tailored to specific requests or instructions. Ludwig AI indicates that it's correct and usable in English, often found in contexts such as media, science, and general discussions. The phrase signals a commitment to fulfilling precise requirements, making it useful in professional settings and creative commissions. Related phrases include "custom-made" and "bespoke". Remember to balance specific instructions with creative freedom when commissioning "work to order" to achieve optimal results.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tailor-made

Similar to "custom-made", but can also imply a solution or approach designed for a specific problem.

bespoke

Highlights the highly individualized and tailored nature of the work.

custom-made

Focuses on the creation aspect tailored to individual specifications.

customized

Focuses on personalization, adapting something to meet individual needs.

made to measure

Emphasizes the precise fitting and tailoring involved.

commissioned work

Highlights that the work is being created on behalf of someone who has requested it.

built to spec

Indicates that the work is completed according to a specific set of technical specifications.

client-specific task

Highlights that work is tailored to individual clients.

work on demand

Emphasizes availability to work whenever needed.

job by request

Indicates that the work arises from specific requests.

FAQs

What does "work to order" mean?

"Work to order" refers to tasks or projects completed according to a client's specific requirements and instructions, often involving customization.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "work to order"?

Use "work to order" when describing services or products that are specifically tailored to meet individual customer needs or specifications.

What are some alternatives to "work to order"?

Alternatives include "custom-made", "bespoke", or "tailor-made", depending on the context.

Is "work to order" formal or informal language?

"Work to order" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more specific terms may be preferable in formal settings.