putting things in order

Meanings

1. 1phraseidiom

   The act of arranging objects or tasks into a neat, sensible sequence or position.

   Grammar: Used as a noun phrase: the subject or object of a sentence, as in 'Putting things in order takes time.'

   Patterns

   • putting things in order takes time
   • spend time putting things in order
   • start putting things in order

   She spent the whole afternoon putting things in order in her study.

   Putting things in order helps me think clearly when I feel stressed.

2. 2phraseidiom

   The process of organizing ideas, plans, or information so they make sense together.

   Grammar: Often followed by 'before' or 'so that': putting things in order before you write.

   Patterns

   • putting things in order before something
   • putting things in order so that ...

   Putting things in order before the meeting saved us a lot of confusion.

   He is good at putting things in order so that everyone understands the plan.

Common combinations

start putting things in order

We should start putting things in order before the guests arrive.

spend time putting things in order

I spent the morning putting things in order in the garage.

putting things in order in your mind

A long walk helped her with putting things in order in her mind.

a way of putting things in order

Making a list is a simple way of putting things in order.

Synonyms and how they differ

organizing

Focuses on planning and structure rather than physical tidiness, so it fits schedules and events better.

tidying up

Suggests making a place clean and neat, while 'putting things in order' stresses correct arrangement or sequence.

sorting out

Informal and often used for solving problems as well as arranging items.

Opposites

Word family

order noun

The state of being arranged neatly or correctly.

orderly adjective

Arranged in a neat and organized way.

put verb

To move something into a place or position.

Commonly confused: putting things in order or putting things in place?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “putting things in order”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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