I have commanded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I have commanded" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that you have given an order or directive in the past and it is still relevant or has an effect in the present. Example: "I have commanded my team to complete the project by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

In a perfect world I would pick seven, six private soldiers and a lance corporal in the battalion that I know, that I have commanded before on operations and I know inside out, jocks that I know can do a job, but we don't get that luxury, we get who we are given.

The Guardian

Moreover, the "Great Commission" of Jesus declares: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age" (Matthew 28 19 20; compare Mark 16:15, Luke 24:47, John 20 21 22, and Acts 1 8).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Although there is no actual account of the institution of baptism by Jesus, the Gospel According to Matthew portrays the risen Christ issuing the "Great Commission" to his followers: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you" (Matthew 28 19 20).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Whilst in India he wrote of his regiment "I have commanded them for nearly ten years during which I have scarcely been away from them and I have always found them to be the quietest and best behaved body of men in the army".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

As student: In my hospice training I learned of a man, a retired Army general, also in his nineties, pondering the same question, "why?" As he lay in his hospital bed nearing the end with cancer, he posed this question to our hospice psychologist, "I've commanded troops around the world having a complete and successful life.

Huffington Post

"From 85 to 88, if I have command of my pitches, I can get anybody out, and I wouldn't hesitate to say that," Martinez said.

The New York Times - Sports

Somewhere in this moment, my soul, somewhere in this moment all that I have known, all that felt, all that I have experienced have commanded me to say, what do you do now?" -- Harry Belafonte.

Huffington Post

Basquiats have commanded strong prices recently, too.

The New York Times - Arts

I had command of my pitches".

The New York Times - Sports

"I feel like I had command of my pitches," Nova said in a whisper.

The New York Times - Sports

I had command of a precise and specialized vocabulary that I could summon more or less at will.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about past events where leadership was involved, using "I have commanded" can add a sense of authority and experience.

Common error

Avoid using "I have commanded" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for phrases like "I told them to" or "I asked them to" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I have commanded" functions as a declaration of authority, indicating that the speaker has issued a directive or order. This is confirmed by Ludwig which states that the phrase is correct and usable in written English when indicating giving orders or directives.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I have commanded" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express the act of giving a directive with authority. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability. While appropriate for formal and professional settings, it should be used cautiously in casual conversation. The phrase appears most frequently in news media, encyclopedias, and wiki sources. Using related phrases like "I have ordered" or "I have instructed" can provide nuance depending on the context. This information provides writers with guidelines to ensure accurate and effective communication when referencing authority and directives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I have ordered

Replaces "commanded" with a more direct synonym, implying a clear directive.

I have instructed

Emphasizes the imparting of specific instructions, rather than general command.

I was in charge of

Shifts focus from giving commands to holding responsibility.

I have directed

Suggests guiding and overseeing a process or group.

I have supervised

Highlights the oversight and management aspects of leadership.

I have governed

Implies ruling or controlling a group or territory, often in a more formal sense.

I have led

Focuses on guidance and influence rather than direct orders.

I have controlled

Emphasizes the maintenance of order and authority.

I had authority over

Shifts the emphasis to the power held, rather than the act of commanding.

I have managed

Suggests organizing and coordinating efforts rather than giving commands.

FAQs

What does "I have commanded" mean?

The phrase "I have commanded" means that someone has given an order or instruction with authority, and the action has been completed or is in effect. It suggests a formal or authoritative context.

What can I say instead of "I have commanded"?

You can use alternatives like "I have ordered", "I have instructed", or "I have directed" depending on the context. These alternatives can convey a similar meaning but with varying degrees of formality or emphasis.

Is "I have commanded" appropriate for casual conversation?

No, "I have commanded" is generally not appropriate for casual conversation. It sounds formal and authoritative. Simpler phrases like "I told them to do it" or "I asked them to" are more suitable.

How can I use "I have commanded" in a sentence?

You can use "I have commanded" in a sentence to indicate that you have given a directive with authority. For example, "I have commanded the troops to secure the area" or "I have commanded the team to finish the project by Friday."