"to order" vs "on order"

Question

"to order" vs "on order"

Both "on order" and "to order" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "On order" is used to indicate that something has been ordered but has not yet arrived, while "to order" is used to indicate that something is being ordered at that moment.

Last Updated: March 26, 2024

Use "to order" to indicate that something is being ordered at that moment. For example, "I would like to order a pizza for delivery."

Examples:

I need to order some new supplies for the office.
She went to the restaurant to order takeout.
He called the store to order a new computer.

Alternatives:

in the process of ordering
ordering now
about to order
in the act of ordering

Use "on order" to indicate that something has been ordered but has not yet arrived. For example, "The new shipment is on order and should arrive next week."

Examples:

The parts are on order and should be here by Friday.
The book I wanted is on order at the bookstore.
The furniture is on order and will be delivered next month.

Alternatives:

ordered but not yet received
awaiting delivery
in the process of being delivered
awaiting shipment

Answer 1

to order

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate that something is being ordered at that moment.

Answer 2

on order

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate that something has been ordered but has not yet arrived.

"to order" vs "on order"

to order

on order

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