order about
B2Informal, slightly critical
Definition
Meaning
To give commands to someone in an authoritative, domineering, or bossy manner.
To treat someone as if they are inferior by constantly telling them what to do, often without justification; to exercise control through frequent commands.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used as a phrasal verb with a clear negative connotation of unfair or annoying bossiness. It implies an abuse of authority or an unwarranted assumption of control.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The phrasal verb is common in both varieties. 'Order around' is a near-equivalent used more frequently in American English, though 'order about' is still understood.
Connotations
Identical negative connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in British English, where 'order about' is the dominant form. In American English, 'boss around', 'push around', or 'order around' may be equally or more common.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
SUBJ + order + OBJ (person) + aboutSUBJ + be ordered about + by-phraseVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “He thinks he can order people about like servants.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Criticism of poor management style, e.g., 'The new director just orders everyone about without listening.'
Academic
Rare; may appear in sociological texts discussing power dynamics or workplace studies.
Everyday
Common in complaints about bosses, parents, siblings, or anyone perceived as being overly bossy.
Technical
Not typically used in technical contexts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He shouldn't order the interns about like that; it's demoralising.
- I won't be ordered about by someone half my age!
American English
- The coach ordered the players about during the entire practice.
- She has a habit of ordering her friends around, and it's getting annoying.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My older brother always tries to order me about.
- The boss orders everyone about in the office.
- I resent the way the new manager orders the experienced staff about as if they were trainees.
- She has a very authoritarian style and simply orders people about without consultation.
- The aristocratic family were accustomed to ordering their domestic staff about without a second thought.
- His leadership failed because he relied on ordering his team about rather than inspiring them.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a military officer shouting 'ABOUT TURN!' repeatedly. He's ORDERing the soldiers ABOUT. This captures the bossy, commanding nature.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIAL INTERACTION IS MILITARY COMMAND (with a negative evaluation).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as just 'приказывать'. The phrase carries a strong nuance of 'командовать, помыкать, понукать'. A direct translation loses the negative connotation of pestering or unfairness.
- Do not confuse with 'put in order' (наводить порядок).
Common Mistakes
- Using it without an object: *'She just orders about.' (Incorrect) -> 'She just orders people about.' (Correct)
- Using the wrong particle: *'He orders his team around about.' (Incorrect, choose one particle).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary connotation of 'order someone about'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is informal and carries a critical tone. It's not suitable for formal reports; use terms like 'micromanage' or 'exercise authoritarian control' instead.
They are very close synonyms. 'Boss around' is perhaps slightly more colloquial and common in American English. The meaning and negative connotation are identical.
No, it inherently carries a negative evaluation. To describe legitimate, respected commanding, use verbs like 'direct', 'lead', or 'manage'.
Yes, in the standard pattern: 'order [someone] about'. However, in passive constructions, the pattern is 'be ordered about': 'The junior staff were constantly ordered about.'