What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
directive
Example
The company issued a directive to all employees to work from home due to the pandemic. [directive: noun]
Example
The manager gave a directive to the team to complete the project within the given timeline. [directive: adjective]
order
Example
The police officer gave an order to the suspect to put their hands up. [order: noun]
Example
I placed an order for a new laptop online. [order: noun]
Example
The books on the shelf were arranged in alphabetical order. [order: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Order is more commonly used than directive in everyday language. Order is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while directive is less common and is typically used in professional or bureaucratic settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between directive and order?
Both directive and order can be used in formal contexts, but directive is more likely to be used in professional or bureaucratic settings, while order can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
