a positive command

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a positive command" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an instruction or directive that encourages a specific action or behavior in a constructive manner. Example: "The teacher issued a positive command to the students, encouraging them to work together on the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Leaders who fail to establish a positive command climate — usually because of their own incompetence, neglect or improper motives — may use hazing to shore up their shortcomings.

The New York Times

Kant writes that virtue "contains a positive command to a man, namely to bring all his capacities and inclinations under his (reason's) control and so to rule over himself … for unless reason holds the reins of government in its own hands, man's feelings and inclinations play the master over him" (Kant, Metaphysics of Morals, Ak. 408).

SEP

Maj. Gen. Clay L. Garrison, the top commander of the 4,700-member 4,700-memberairdismissed for beinguardble to "maintain a positive command climate," said Lt. Col. Thomas Keegan, spokesman for the California Military Department.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The report's authors went on to describe the Glendale Police Department as a "prime example of positive command and policies and attention to detail". The grand jury sent eight teams on unannounced visits to 100 detention facilities countywide to investigate inmate and building conditions, according to the report.

Los Angeles Times

Thus, single-channel conductances were usually calculated at positive command potentials.

Chemical Senses

CARE utilizes the 3 P skills (Praise, Paraphrase and Point-Out Behavior) to connect with children, a set of techniques for giving children effective positive commands, and selective ignoring technique to redirect problematic behaviors.

Harvard University

In a second setting, treaty rules are interpreted to impose positive commands on national law, such as to make available for implementation procedural and substantive remedies.

Columbia University

Certainly, the continued presence of Dr. Rosebush, in his present position as a staff member of the Academy's Center of Character and Leadership Development, does not have a positive impact on the command climate.

Huffington Post

Ramsey himself commanded a positive dedication on the part of the English players, and I heard Bobby Moore, the English captain — an agile, fair-haired mid-field player — remark in a television interview that since Mr. Ramsey didn't much like speaking, the English team would try to say what he meant.

The New Yorker

"Anything that... emphasizes the responsibility up the chain of command is a positive step.

Los Angeles Times

Awake patients were then required to demonstrate a positive response to simple one-stage commands [ 6, 7, 10].

Critical Care

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a positive command" when you want to emphasize the encouraging or constructive nature of an instruction, particularly in leadership or educational contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "a positive command" when you intend to convey a mere suggestion or a non-compulsory recommendation. Ensure your language reflects a directive, not just an idea.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a positive command" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb (e.g., 'issue', 'give'). Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It is used to describe a type of directive that is intended to be constructive and encouraging.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a positive command" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a directive that is encouraging and constructive. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It appears most frequently in news, academic and scientific contexts. While it is not a very common phrase, its usage is clear and consistent. When using this phrase, ensure that you are conveying a sense of motivation and beneficial intent, avoiding contexts where a mere suggestion would be more appropriate. Related phrases include "a constructive directive" and "an encouraging instruction", offering alternative ways to express the same idea.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a constructive directive

Focuses on the constructive nature of the command, emphasizing its helpful intent.

an encouraging instruction

Highlights the motivational aspect of the command.

a supportive order

Emphasizes the backing or aid provided by the command.

a beneficial mandate

Stresses the advantageous outcome resulting from the command.

a helpful decree

Underscores the assistance the command offers.

an affirmative order

Highlights the positivity and decisiveness of the command.

a motivational directive

Focuses on the aspect of the command being used to encourage action.

a constructive request

Focuses on the request and the fact that the command aims to build up.

a supportive guideline

Highlights the aid and guiding principles the command offers.

a confidence-boosting command

Focuses on how the command impacts a person's confidence.

FAQs

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

You can use "a positive command" to describe instructions that motivate or encourage specific behaviors. For example, "The coach gave "a positive command" to the team before the game."

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

Alternatives include phrases like "a constructive directive", "an encouraging instruction", or "a supportive order".

When is it appropriate to use "a positive command"?

It's appropriate when you want to highlight the beneficial and motivational aspects of a directive, especially in situations where leadership or guidance is needed.

What's the difference between "a positive command" and "a simple instruction"?

"A positive command" implies encouragement and constructive intent, while "a simple instruction" is a more neutral term that doesn't necessarily convey those additional qualities.