What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ordered
Example
The books on the shelf were arranged in an ordered manner. [ordered: adjective]
Example
She followed an ordered approach to complete the project on time. [ordered: noun]
methodical
Example
He approached the problem in a methodical way, breaking it down into smaller parts. [methodical: adjective]
Example
She is known for her methodical approach to research and analysis. [methodical: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ordered is more commonly used than methodical in everyday language. Ordered is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while methodical is less common and often used in professional or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ordered and methodical?
While both ordered and methodical can be used in formal contexts, methodical is often associated with a more professional or technical tone due to its specific connotations of efficiency and thoroughness.