a good command

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a good command" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone's proficiency or mastery in a particular skill or subject. Example: "Maria has a good command of the English language, making her an excellent choice for the position of editor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

West has a good command of the English language.

The Guardian - Opinion

"He had a good command of his instrument.

The New York Times

He had a good command of his box on set pieces and against the cross.

Independent

His fastball was averaging 94 m.p.h., and he showed a good command of four other pitches.

The New York Times

A good command of spelling is generally regarded as evidence of a tidy mind.

The Guardian - Books

"It's not a simple exam," says Kanneganti. "You have to have a good command of English".

The Guardian

He has a good command of English and is keen to demonstrate it.

The Guardian

He says he couldn't compete with other agencies without a good command of the language.

The Guardian - Money

In another words, we can have a good command in catalyst, and make the most of it.

Studies in Surface Science and Catalysis

Winners also need to be resilient, have a good command of the facts and be good in a crisis.

The Guardian - Books

Diplomats, tour guides, stylists, supermodels, and so on may be relied on to have a good command of our language.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's ability, pair "a good command" with specific examples to demonstrate their proficiency. For instance, instead of saying "He has a good command of project management", specify "He has a good command of project management, consistently delivering projects on time and within budget."

Common error

Avoid using "a good command" when referring to simple familiarity. "A good command" implies a high level of skill or understanding, not just basic knowledge. For simple familiarity, use phrases like "familiar with" or "knowledge of."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a good command" functions as a noun phrase, typically modifying another noun (e.g., language, skill, situation) to indicate proficiency or expertise. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

39%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a good command" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe proficiency or expertise in a particular area. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. As demonstrated by the many examples provided by Ludwig, it appears across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Academia. While versatile, it implies a high level of skill, exceeding mere familiarity. When aiming for similar expressions, consider alternatives such as "strong grasp" or "solid mastery" for enhanced precision. Be mindful of the specific context to ensure alignment with intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strong grasp

Implies a firm and comprehensive understanding, often more emphatic than "a good command".

solid mastery

Suggests a high level of expertise and control, indicating thorough knowledge and skill.

proficient understanding

Highlights competence and skill, especially in academic or professional contexts.

thorough knowledge

Emphasizes comprehensive understanding rather than practical skill or control.

adept handling

Focuses on skillful management or manipulation of something, implying practical ability.

competent control

Suggests the ability to manage or direct something effectively, often in technical settings.

expert proficiency

Highlights a very high level of skill and knowledge, suggesting mastery.

fluent in

Specifically refers to language skills, indicating ease and accuracy in speaking or writing.

well-versed in

Implies extensive knowledge about a subject, often gained through study or experience.

familiar with

Indicates a basic level of knowledge or acquaintance, less intense than "a good command".

FAQs

How can I use "a good command" in a sentence?

You can use "a good command" to describe someone's proficiency in a skill or subject. For example: "She has "a good command" of the French language" or "He demonstrates "a good command" of data analysis techniques".

What are some alternatives to saying "a good command"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "strong grasp", "solid mastery", or "proficient understanding". The best choice will depend on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a good command on" instead of "a good command of"?

While "a good command of" is the standard and widely accepted phrasing, "a good command on" is occasionally used, though less common. It's generally safer and more grammatically sound to stick with "a good command of".

What level of skill does "a good command" imply?

"A good command" suggests a high level of proficiency, indicating that someone is not just familiar with something but can use it effectively and accurately. It implies more than basic knowledge but not necessarily expert-level skill.