How to Use "Ordinare a": Meaning, Usage, and Useful Phrases

Do you want to improve your Italian and learn to express yourself more naturally? Verbs with prepositions often cause confusion, but they are essential for natural speech. Today we explore a very common expression: "ordinare a". Understanding how and when to use "ordinare a" is crucial for communicating effectively in Italian, especially when giving instructions or commands. In this article, you will learn its meaning, its grammatical structure, see practical examples, and discover the most common mistakes to avoid. Get ready to use "ordinare a" with confidence!

Table of Contents

• What does "Ordinare a" mean?
• The Grammatical Structure: How Is It Used?
• Sentences and Examples with "Ordinare a"
• Crucial Differences: Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Similar or Related Expressions

What does "Ordinare a" mean?

• Literal Meaning: To give a command or a precise instruction to someone, often with an air of authority or a higher position.
  • Example: "Il generale ordinò ai soldati di avanzare."
• Figurative Meaning: To assign a specific task or duty to someone, delegating responsibility for an expected result.
  • Example: "Ho ordinato all'assistente di preparare la presentazione entro venerdì."

More: Dispiacere a Meaning and Practical Examples in Italian En

The Grammatical Structure: How Is It Used?

The basic structure for using "ordinare a" is as follows:

• [Subject] + [Conjugated verb "Ordinare"] + a + [Person/Group] + [di + Infinitive (if the order is an action)].

As also specified by the Treccani Dictionary, the preposition "a" is essential to indicate to whom the command or instruction is directed. When the order concerns a specific action that the recipient must perform, the preposition "di" is added followed by the verb in the infinitive. This highlights that the order is aimed at an action.

Examples:

• Il caposquadra ha ordinato ai suoi operai di lavorare più velocemente.
• I genitori hanno ordinato alla figlia di tornare a casa entro mezzanotte.

More: Dichiarare a Explained with Meaning and Practical Italian Examples

Sentences and Examples with "Ordinare a"

Here are some practical examples showing how "ordinare a" is used in different everyday situations:

📍 Work / Office

Capo: "Ho bisogno di quel report entro stasera. L'ho ordinato al team ieri."

Collaboratore: "Sì, l'abbiamo ricevuto. Ci stiamo lavorando per completarlo."

📍 Daily life / Family

Mamma: "Ragazzi, ho ordinato a voi di mettere in ordine le vostre camere dieci minuti fa! Cosa state aspettando?"

Figlio: "Arriviamo mamma, un attimo! Stiamo finendo il gioco."

📍 Formal / Legal context

Giudice: "Il tribunale ha ordinato all'imputato di risarcire i danni alla vittima entro trenta giorni."

Avvocato: "Sì, signor giudice, il mio cliente si atterrà alla decisione."

More: Obbligare a Explained Meaning Usage and Practical Sentences

Crucial Differences: Common Mistakes to Avoid

The main point of confusion with "ordinare a" is distinguishing it from the simple verb "ordinare" when it has different meanings. You must not confuse giving a command with requesting a product or service.

• Ordinare [something] Vs. Ordinare a [someone] di [do something]
  • Ordinare [something]: To request a good or a service (e.g., food, merchandise, an online service). Here "ordinare" is a direct transitive verb.
    • Example: "Ho ordinato due cappuccini al bar." (You are requesting cappuccinos, not giving them a command).
  • Ordinare a [someone] di [do something]: To give a command or instruction to a person, expecting them to carry out the action. Here "ordinare" is a verb that requires the preposition "a" for the indirect object.
    • Example: "La professoressa ha ordinato agli studenti di consegnare i compiti." (The students must hand in their homework by order of the teacher).

Another common mistake is omitting the preposition "a" when it is necessary to indicate the person receiving the order:

• Correct: "Ho ordinato a lui di venire." (He is the direct recipient of the order, indicated by the preposition "a").
• Incorrect: "Ho ordinato lui di venire." (Grammatically incorrect in this context, as "ordinare" in the sense of "command" requires "a" for the person).

Similar or Related Expressions

Here are some expressions that may have a similar meaning or be related to "ordinare a", but with different nuances:

Conclusion

You have seen how "ordinare a" is a fundamental verb for giving commands or instructions in Italian, always with the help of the preposition "a" to indicate the recipient. Remember the crucial difference with "ordinare" used to request something.

Now it’s your turn! Try writing a sentence using "ordinare a" in the comments below. What is the last thing you ordered someone to do (or that you were ordered to do)?