a good command of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a good command of" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase typically refers to someone having a strong understanding or mastery of a skill, knowledge or ability. For example, "Mary has a good command of Spanish which enabled her to travel and converse easily in South America."

✓ Grammatically correct

Language proficiency

Skill mastery

Situational awareness

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

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

The teacher, Achmad Tontowi, has a good command of grammar and written Chinese but struggles with pronunciation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your language. While "a good command of" is suitable, consider using synonyms like "proficient in" or "skilled at" to add variety to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a good command of" when referring to simple tasks or easily acquired knowledge. This phrase is more appropriate for complex skills or subjects that require significant effort to master.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a good command of" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun, indicating a high level of proficiency or mastery in a specific skill, subject, or area. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

25%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a good command of" is a versatile and widely used expression for indicating proficiency or mastery in a particular skill or subject. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for various formal and informal contexts. While commonly found in news and media, as well as scientific and academic writing, this phrase should be used judiciously, reserved for complex skills requiring significant effort to master. To enhance your writing, consider using synonyms such as "proficient in" or "mastery of" for variety and precision. Always ensure the context aligns with the implied level of competence when employing this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mastery of

Highlights exceptional skill and control.

has a strong grasp of

Uses "grasp" as a metaphor for understanding and control.

proficient in

Replaces "a good command of" with a single adjective indicating skill level.

skilled in

Similar to "proficient in", focusing on the skill aspect.

expertise in

Emphasizes specialized knowledge and skill.

adept at

Emphasizes natural ability or quickness in learning.

competent in

Indicates a satisfactory level of skill or knowledge.

well-versed in

Suggests extensive knowledge and experience.

knowledgeable about

Focuses on having information and understanding.

familiar with

Implies a basic understanding and acquaintance.

FAQs

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

Use "a good command of" to describe someone's proficiency in a skill or subject. For example, "Having a good command of the English language is essential for international business."

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

You can use alternatives like "proficient in", "skilled in", or "mastery of" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a good command on" or "a good command of"?

"A good command of" is the correct and idiomatic phrasing. "A good command on" is grammatically incorrect.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "a good command of"?

This phrase is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts to describe someone's skill level in a particular area, such as language, software, or a specific subject.