a reasonable command of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a reasonable command of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's level of proficiency or understanding in a particular subject or skill, often in the context of language or technical skills. Example: "To apply for this position, candidates should have a reasonable command of both written and spoken English."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

A final exam, which should take no more than 8 hours to complete, will be administered for a 96-hour period beginning on May 1. Participation in this online component of CopyrightX is limited to 500 people, but anyone 13 years or older who has a reasonable command of the English language is welcome to apply for admission.

Harvard University

I think exactly what you'd expect a Canadian who lives in San Francisco to think: how could anyone with a reasonable command of the available evidence even consider voting for Donald Trump? …But my search for an answer has led me to the uncomfortable sense that the tech industry is partly responsible for Trump's support.

TechCrunch

A reasonable command of the issues.

Huffington Post

The criteria included: using untreated rainwater from an above-ground tank as the normal drinking water source; having at least four eligible household members (including at least 2 children aged 1 to 15 years); home ownership or stable rental history (12 months or more in current home); and having a reasonable command of English.

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

If the maximum forecasting power output of WFs is larger than the dispatch command, a reasonable allocation of wind power within the WF cluster should be used to satisfy the command and reduce the power variation.  .

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

It only works when the leader is able to command the confidence of a reasonable number of parliamentary colleagues.

The Guardian - Opinion

In all, the car can recognize 44 English commands spoken in a reasonable tone, regardless of accent, inflection, gender or age.

Forbes

In all, the car can recognize 44 English commands spoken in a reasonable tone, regardless of accent, inflection, sex or age.

Forbes

Ministers should want to know a policy is technically feasible, has a reasonable chance of working, and is the best available option; but a policy must also be able to command sufficient political and public support to be implemented.

The Guardian

He is known as a reasonable voice who commands the respect of key figures on both sides.

The New York Times - Sports

This is a reasonable line of thinking.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing required skills for a job, use "a reasonable command of" to indicate a level of proficiency that allows for effective communication and task completion without necessarily implying expert-level knowledge.

Common error

Avoid using "a reasonable command of" when the context requires expert-level skills. Overstating proficiency can lead to miscommunication and unmet expectations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a reasonable command of" functions as a noun phrase that modifies another noun, indicating the degree of proficiency or skill someone possesses. It specifies the level of competence, suggesting it is adequate but not necessarily expert, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Academia

25%

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a reasonable command of" is a phrase used to describe an adequate level of proficiency in a particular skill or subject. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct, although rare in usage. It often appears in academic, news, and scientific contexts. When using the phrase, ensure that the described skill level aligns with the expectations of the specific context. Be mindful of potential errors by avoiding the phrase when expert-level skill is needed; otherwise, you could be overestimating someone's proficiency and setting unrealistic expectations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a solid grasp of

Emphasizes a firm understanding and control of the subject.

a good understanding of

Focuses on comprehension and knowledge rather than active skill.

a working knowledge of

Suggests practical experience and ability to use the knowledge effectively.

a fair mastery of

Implies a high degree of skill and control, though not necessarily complete.

adept at

Highlights skill and proficiency.

competent in

Indicates a satisfactory level of ability to perform a task.

proficient in

Suggests a high level of skill and expertise.

knowledgeable about

Emphasizes information and understanding.

familiar with

Implies acquaintance and basic understanding.

acquainted with

Suggests a basic level of awareness or understanding.

FAQs

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

You can use "a reasonable command of" to describe someone's proficiency in a particular skill or subject, as in, "Applicants should have "a reasonable command of" English."

What is a good alternative to "a reasonable command of"?

Alternatives include "a solid grasp of", "a good understanding of", or "a working knowledge of", depending on the context and the specific level of proficiency you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a strong command of" or "a reasonable command of"?

"A strong command of" implies a higher level of proficiency than "a reasonable command of". Use "a strong command of" when expert-level skills are required, and "a reasonable command of" when basic competence is sufficient.

What does it mean to have "a reasonable command of" a language?

Having "a reasonable command of" a language means you can understand and use the language effectively for everyday communication and tasks, even if you're not perfectly fluent or error-free.