in order

Arranged in a sequence, such as from first to last or smallest to largest.

• The numbers are in order.
• Put these names in order from A to Z.
• Are the pages still in order after you dropped them?

How to use it: in order of something (Arrange the boxes in order of size.)

Similar words: ordered, sequential

Opposites: out of order

Common phrases: numbers in order, put in order, in order of size

Properly arranged, prepared, or managed so that everything is as it should be.

• Everything is in order.
• He keeps his desk in order.
• We got our affairs in order before moving abroad.

How to use it: get something in order (She got her papers in order before the appointment.)

Similar words: organized, tidy, ready

Opposites: disorganized

Common phrases: keep in order, affairs in order, papers in order

Used with an action to show what someone wants to achieve.

• I called in order to help.
• They worked extra hours in order to finish the job.
• In order to stay healthy, she walks every day.

How to use it: in order to + verb (We took a taxi in order to arrive on time.)

Similar words: to, so as to

Common phrases: in order to learn, in order to save

Allowed under the rules, especially during an official meeting.

• Your question is in order.
• The chair ruled that the motion was in order.
• Would it be in order to discuss the budget today?

How to use it: be in order to + verb (Is it in order to raise this question now?)

Similar words: permitted, admissible

Opposites: out of order

Common phrases: be in order, motion in order, question in order