I was commanded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was commanded" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where someone received an order or directive from another person or authority. Example: "During the meeting, I was commanded to present the findings by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

When The IoS was launched,  I was commanded to produce a scoop or a "good read" for the new newspaper every weekend.

Independent

So I prophesied as I as I was commanded.

Huffington Post

When Fantasia reached the finals of 2004's competition I was blissfully ignorant 'til my phone rang and I was commanded by my cultural advisor, Peter R., to view her pronto, as she was the "new greatest thing".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

In the United Kingdom, the 'I' being commanded is the Lord Chamberland, the chief officer of the royal household.

WikiHow

When I was commanding, there was none of that.

The Guardian

When I was commanding the coalition forces in Basra in 2007, I recall General Jalil, the local police chief, after he had survived his fourth assassination attempt, rejecting my offers of help.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I was happy with the way my ball was moving and how I was commanding the zone," Richards said.

Los Angeles Times

"I'm a believer in Jesus Christ, and I am commanded by him to go and tell everybody who he is," he said.

The New York Times

I am commanded to do my part on the occasional Sunday morning at 8. The doctor's office is quiet, save for the techie who sings show tunes while I'm doing what must be done.

The New York Times - Health

Suddenly there's a ringing in my ears, or rather a beeping, and I am commanded to do things: "Pick up a loaf of seven-grain bread on your way home".

Forbes

As a Christian, I am commanded to forgive, "seventy times seven" if that's what it takes.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I was commanded", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what authority issued the command. This adds clarity and credibility to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "I was commanded" without specifying the source of the command. For example, instead of saying "I was commanded to do it", specify "I was commanded by my supervisor to complete the report".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was commanded" functions as a passive voice construction. It indicates that the subject (I) received an order. Examples from Ludwig show its use in describing instructions received from superiors or figures of authority.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I was commanded" is a grammatically sound passive voice construction used to express the receipt of an order, as Ludwig AI confirms. It appears most frequently in news and media, and less so in scientific or business contexts. While relatively formal, the phrase's clarity makes it usable in various situations when the source of the command is clear. For alternative expressions, consider options like "I was instructed", "I was directed", or "I was ordered", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Always provide context as to who is doing the commanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was ordered

Stronger emphasis on authority, similar to "commanded" but more common in everyday usage.

I was instructed

Implies a less forceful directive, more of a teaching or guiding action.

I was directed

Similar to "instructed", suggesting guidance toward a specific action or goal.

I received orders

More direct and less formal; focuses on the receipt of orders rather than the act of commanding.

I was told to

Informal way of indicating an instruction, lacking the formality of "commanded".

I was charged with

Emphasizes the responsibility and potential consequences of the task.

I had a mandate to

Suggests a formal authorization or legal basis for the action.

I was given the task of

Focuses on the assignment of a specific task or responsibility.

It was my duty to

Highlights the obligation or responsibility associated with the action.

I was compelled to

Highlights the feeling of being forced or obligated to take action.

FAQs

What does "I was commanded" mean?

The phrase "I was commanded" indicates that someone received a direct order or instruction from a person or entity in a position of authority.

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

You can use alternatives like "I was instructed", "I was ordered", or "I was directed" depending on the context.

Is "I was commanded by" grammatically correct?

Yes, "I was commanded by" is grammatically correct. It specifies the source of the command, making the sentence more precise.

How formal is the phrase "I was commanded"?

The phrase "I was commanded" is quite formal and implies a strong sense of authority. It's less common in everyday conversation and more suitable for formal writing or situations where emphasizing authority is important.