Word of the Day: Order
One way to use the word “order” is when asking for something or giving a command:
In these sentences, “order” is a verb:
- I’d like to order a burger and fries.
- Our office usually orders equipment from the Acme company.
- Isabel always orders the same thing when she goes out for lunch.
- The general ordered his troops to attack the other army.
- Let’s order some Chinese food to go.
In these sentences, “order” is a noun:
- I’d like to place an order, please.
- The order for supplies is late.
- The general gave an order. The troops must obey his order.
- Ordering food on the internet is easy to do. (In this sentence “ordering” is a gerund.)
- We’re still waiting for our order. (This could be food or anything else that is requested from a business.)
The word “order” is also used when describing a sequence. What happens first, second, third, etc.
- The names on the list are in alphabetical order.
- The order of events during the accident was not easy to recall.
- Your call will be answered in the order it was received.
There are a few other ways to use this word:
- The vending machine is out of order. (It doesn’t work or there’s some other problem with it.)
- The judge told the defendant that he was out of order. (His bad behavior in court was noticed by the judge.)
- In order to solve this problem, the two sides will have to work together. (in order to = the way to; the best method to)
- Stop ordering me around! (This expresses frustration. Say this when someone constantly tells you what to do.)
Essential English Dictionary
Visit the Popular English Words Beginning with O page to see the list of all words starting with letter O. For seeing the HiCafe dictionary, visit the Popular English Words with Meaning page.
