a poor command of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a poor command of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's lack of proficiency or skill in a particular area, often related to language or knowledge. Example: "She has a poor command of the French language, which makes it difficult for her to communicate effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Those with a poor command of English will learn the basics of language".

The Guardian

As a result, young Japanese have a poor command of honorific language and do not feel compelled to use it.

The New York Times

They may be asked to conduct conversation practice in small groups and/or help students from underprivileged communities with a poor command of the English language.

University of California, Berkeley

C13 EDUCATION Ignorance of the Past American students have a poor command of history, a national test of high school seniors found.

The New York Times

But they matter, because of the power of the job market itself to promote integration.Immigrants' children are also likely to have parents with a poor command of the host country's language.

The Economist

Nearly half a million were issued last year, yielding a tidy sum for LT.Many of those fined are unfamiliar with the capital; some are foreigners with only a poor command of English.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

'Making friends with local Australians was not an easy task as either they already had their own click of friends and were unsure of who we were (i.e. some thought we were repeating the year and so on) or they simply were not interested in making Asian friends as they seem to think we had a very poor command of the English language' (F3).

BMC Medical Education

Mr. Mullen reassigned him almost immediately upon taking Mr. Clark's post, and a report in The Navy Times at the time paraphrased an anonymous source as saying that the change was being made because of a "poor command climate" in his division.

The New York Times

A report at the time said Mr. Sestak had created "a poor command climate".

The New York Times

Often, problems with communication are attributed to Aboriginal people speaking a native tongue and having poor command of English.

BMC Health Services Research

Data Analysis vividly depicted a noticeable portion of the population had poor command of literacy in Suprasegmental phase, and among those otherwise, few cared to incorporate this phase into their common classroom orchestration procedures.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's abilities, be specific about the area where they have "a poor command of". For example, "a poor command of English grammar" is more informative than simply "a poor command of English".

Common error

Avoid using "a poor command of" when describing a general lack of intelligence or competence. This phrase is most appropriately used to describe specific skills or knowledge, not overall aptitude.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a poor command of" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It describes the quality or state of someone's ability or knowledge in a particular area. Ludwig shows this in numerous contexts, describing skill deficiencies.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

30%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The analysis reveals that "a poor command of" is a common phrase used to describe a lack of proficiency or skill, often in language or specific areas of knowledge. Grammatically correct and widely used, as indicated by Ludwig AI, it appears across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Academia. While alternatives like "limited proficiency in" or "weak grasp of" exist, "a poor command of" directly conveys a deficiency. The writing guidance emphasizes being specific and avoiding misuse in overly general contexts. Using "a poor command of" effectively involves recognizing its appropriate scope and nuances, ensuring clear and accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Limited proficiency in

Focuses on the degree of skill rather than implying a deficiency.

Weak grasp of

Emphasizes understanding rather than ability.

Inadequate mastery of

More formal and emphasizes control and expertise.

Deficient knowledge of

Specifically refers to a lack of factual information.

Substandard command of

Highlights that the level of skill is below an expected standard.

Rudimentary understanding of

Suggests a very basic and incomplete level of knowledge.

Basic familiarity with

Indicates some awareness but not necessarily skill or deep knowledge.

Novice at

Highlights lack of experience in a specific area.

Untrained in

Focuses on the absence of formal instruction or practice.

Lacking expertise in

Directly points out the absence of specialized skill or knowledge.

FAQs

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

You can use "a poor command of" to describe someone's lack of proficiency in a specific skill or area of knowledge. For example, "The student has "a poor command of" mathematics, which affects their ability to solve complex problems."

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

Alternatives include phrases like "limited proficiency in", "weak grasp of", or "inadequate mastery of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a poor command in" or "a poor command of"?

The correct phrasing is "a poor command of". The preposition "of" is used to indicate the specific subject or skill in which someone lacks proficiency.

What does it mean to have "a poor command of" something?

To have "a poor command of" something means that you lack skill, knowledge, or understanding in that particular area. It implies a deficiency in your ability to use or apply that skill or knowledge effectively.