Q21: 'to get out of order'; 'to be out of order'

Question

Hello, Does 'to get out of order' mean 'to stop working'? A few days ago I read a sentence in a book, and the sentence was 'My bicycle got out of order on my way home'. And today I read a notice at a fuel station, the notice was 'out of order'. I wanted to ask you if we could use 'out of order' with a gadget or a machine as well? For eg, could we say things like 'the coffee making machine is out of order'? Or 'my cell phone is out of order'? Thank you all.

Blue Jay · Accepted Answer

TomJDoes 'to get out of order' mean 'to stop working'?

Yes, but we normally say it is out of order rather than it is getting out of order. Your bicycle sentence sounds odd.

TomJcould we say things like 'the coffee making machine is out of order'? Or 'my cell phone is out of order'?

Yes, this is how the phrase is normally used.

TomJ · Answer

Thanks to you, Mr. Blue Jay, for replying.

Blue Jaywe normally say it is out of order rather than it is getting out of order.

Hmm... Okay. But, Can't we use it in 'simple past' or 'present perfect tense'? Isn't it possible for us to say for eg, 'the machine got out of order last week' or 'the machine has got/gotten out of order'?

Blue JayYour bicycle sentence sounds odd.

Doesn't that (my bicycle example) mean 'my bicycle got out of order when I was on my way home'? Should I have inserted a 'to' between 'way' and 'home' in that example?

Thank you one more time!

CalifJim · Answer

TomJMy bicycle got out of order on my way home

Weird. I'd say it broke down.

"Out of order" (not functioning) is normally said of a machine or device used by the public, typically an elevator, a vending machine, a washing mashing in a laundromat. It is not normally said of a privately owned vehicle, device, or appliance. I have never seen it used with an inchoative (to get out of order).

It [is / was / has been] out of order.

CJ

Q21: 'to get out of order'; 'to be out of order'

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