a dictate

USAGE SUMMARY

'a dictate' is correct and usable in written English.
'Dictate' can be a verb meaning to order or to lay down as a rule, or it can be a noun, meaning an order or rule that must be followed. For example, you might say, "The company has issued a new dictate that all employees must wear a face mask while in the office."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

By extension, a dictate then kicks in: If you can fix it, you should.

The New York Times - Science

I observed that it had been made in the form of a dictate and therein lay the whole difference.

Yale University

If you have the right people, it's actually infinitely more powerful than a command or a dictate.

The New York Times

He had been summoned to Saudi Arabia and then presented with a dictate to resign, senior diplomatic sources told me.

The New Yorker

"It is a dictate from above: If we command it, thou shalt have sex with underage women".

The New York Times

City leaders want it called "Bengalooru", a dictate ignored by most locals I meet.The traffic congestion was bad enough last time.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

The OSM is a facilitating organization, not a dictating one.

Harvard Business Review

The second parameter, a, dictates the number of ranges the values are discretized into.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Whether it is a voluntary class you have chosen or a dictated to class.

WikiHow

A home dictates a life, its limits and its possibilities.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Westerners sometimes see that as a force dictating an opening to the outside world.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a dictate" when you want to emphasize the authoritative and often unquestionable nature of a command or rule. This phrase is stronger than "a suggestion" or "a recommendation".

Common error

Avoid using "a dictate" for everyday instructions or minor requests. The phrase carries a strong connotation of authority and may sound overly formal or even aggressive in casual contexts. Use it when the command has real power backing it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a dictate" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a specific type of command or order, one that is issued with authority and intended to be strictly followed. Ludwig AI provides several examples where "a dictate" represents an instruction or policy enforced by a governing body or individual.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a dictate" is a grammatically correct noun phrase that functions to describe an authoritative command or rule. It is commonly found in news and media, science and encyclopedic contexts and carries a formal tone, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. When using "a dictate", it's crucial to ensure that the context aligns with the weight and authority the phrase implies, as it is stronger than simple instructions or suggestions. Ludwig also provides several examples of how the term is correctly used in formal writing, making it an invaluable tool for understanding the nuance of this phrase. Alternatives include "a command", "an order", and "a ruling", each carrying slightly different connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a command

This alternative suggests a direct order, often from a position of authority, which is similar to "a dictate" but can imply less formality.

a decree

This word suggests a formal order issued by a legal authority. It is more formal than "a dictate" but shares the sense of an official command.

an edict

Similar to "a decree", an edict is a formal proclamation or command, often associated with rulers or governments.

an order

This is a general term for an instruction that must be followed. It is less forceful than "a dictate" but conveys a similar meaning.

a ruling

This refers to an official decision or pronouncement, often in a legal or authoritative context.

a stipulation

This emphasizes a specific requirement or condition that must be met, often in an agreement or contract.

a mandate

This suggests a clear instruction or authority to act in a certain way, often given by an electorate or higher power.

a prescription

Implies a recommendation or instruction that is considered essential or highly advisable.

a requirement

This is a general term indicating something necessary or obligatory. It is less authoritative than "a dictate".

an imposition

This word suggests something being forced or inflicted on someone, which shares the forceful aspect of "a dictate" but has a more negative connotation.

FAQs

How is "a dictate" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "a dictate" is used to describe a rule or command that is authoritatively imposed. For instance, "The new policy was seen as "a dictate" from the management" implies the policy was non-negotiable.

What are some alternatives to saying "a dictate"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "a command", "an order", or "a ruling" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "a dictate" formal or informal?

"A dictate" leans towards the formal side, implying authority and imposition. Using it in casual conversation might sound overly serious or even aggressive. Consider the audience and the situation.

What is the difference between "a dictate" and "a suggestion"?

"A dictate" implies a non-negotiable command or rule, while "a suggestion" is merely a recommendation that can be accepted or rejected. The former carries much more weight and authority.