in order/orderly

[angliholic]

Can you place these books in order/orderly on the shelf?



Are "in order" and "orderly" interchangeable in the above? Thanks.

[Uncle M]

'In order' means in a pre-determined order (for example, alphabetical by author).

'Orderly' usually means tidily, e.g. 'Arrange the books in an orderly manner.'

Dave

[angliholic]

'In order' means in a pre-determined order (for example, alphabetical by author).

'Orderly' usually means tidily, e.g. 'Arrange the books in an orderly manner.'

Dave

Thanks, Dave.

Do you mean that both work but communicate a slightly different meaning? Thanks.

[Uncle M]

Exactly that, yes.

Dave

[louhevly]

Exactly that, yes.

Dave

I don't think you can say «Can you place these books orderly on the shelf?». It would be like saying «He waved to me friendly». You can say "Can you place these books tidily on the shelf?" because "tidily" is an adverb derived from the adjective "tidy". However, "orderly" is an adjective derived from the noun "order" so you would have to say "Can you place these books on the shelf in an orderly way?".

noun + "ly" = adjective
adjective + "ly" = adverb

Lou