a sense of command

USAGE SUMMARY

"a sense of command" is a phrase that is commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone's attitude or demeanor that is confident and in control. For example, you can say, "He had a strong sense of command when directing his team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Although he limped slightly from an old hip injury, he exuded a sense of command.

The New Yorker

He takes refuge in the swagger of his splenetic punctilio, which imposes a sense of command on a life that is transparently hapless.

The New Yorker

The bride and groom already have a ton of details to remember, and they'll appreciate your spearheading the action with a sense of command.

The Washington Post

Mr. Bush, in turn, has exhibited a sense of command and a comfort level with the presidency that was lacking before Sept. 11.

The New York Times

The voice – high, fluting yet saturated with a sense of command, honed by shouting "fag, toast my crumpets!" down long, ancient corridors – inquired whether Vince Cable agreed that countries with flexible labour laws had the best growth and those with the least flexible had the highest unemployment.

The Guardian

With nods to time spent in the White House Situation Room and crisp answers about five-point plans, she exuded a sense of command that her rivals onstage often seemed to lack.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

It was, say these political wise men and women, a sense of misguided command.

The New York Times

He was tall, physically very strong, with a natural sense of command.

Independent

It was unfortunate that his one major misjudgment resulted in a penalty and goal for Ghana in the semi-final, but Ovono mixes the exuberance of youth with a genuine sense of command and it would be interesting to see how he would fare higher up the football food chain.

The Guardian - Sport

That's really a good sense of command over my own language learning process.

Asian-Pacific Journal of Second and Foreign Language Education

Even if the events on your lists never happen, the practice of anticipating and preparing for change will give you a greater sense of command over your future.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sense of command" to describe individuals who naturally inspire confidence and are capable of taking charge effectively. Ensure the context supports the idea of authority and leadership.

Common error

Avoid using "a sense of command" to describe someone who is merely bossy or aggressive. The phrase implies competence and respect, not just a forceful personality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sense of command" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb (e.g., exuded a sense of command) or as a complement describing a quality or characteristic. The examples provided by Ludwig AI demonstrate this function in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sense of command" is a noun phrase that describes the ability to inspire confidence and exert control, typically associated with leadership and competence. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and used in neutral to professional contexts, primarily in news and media. While not extremely common, its presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian indicates its validity and effectiveness in describing individuals who naturally take charge and inspire those around them. To use it effectively, ensure the context reflects genuine leadership rather than mere assertiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a commanding presence

Uses the adjective "commanding" to describe the overall impact of someone's presence.

an air of authority

Changes the noun from "sense" to "air", implying a noticeable presence of authority.

a feeling of control

Replaces "command" with "control", focusing on the emotional aspect of being in charge.

a display of leadership

Shifts the focus to the outward expression of leadership qualities.

an aura of competence

Focuses on the perception of being skilled and capable, which inspires confidence.

an ability to lead

Highlights the skill and capability to guide others effectively.

a talent for direction

Emphasizes a natural aptitude for guiding and managing activities.

a knack for managing

Suggests an intuitive skill in overseeing and organizing tasks.

a hold on power

Implies a firm grasp and utilization of authority.

a mastery of the situation

Indicates complete understanding and control over circumstances.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a sense of command" in a sentence?

Use "a sense of command" to illustrate someone's capacity to inspire confidence and take charge. For example: "The general exuded "a sense of command" that reassured the troops".

What are some alternatives to saying "a sense of command"?

You can use alternatives like "an air of authority", "a commanding presence", or "a feeling of control" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a sense of command" in formal writing?

Yes, "a sense of command" is suitable for formal writing. It is a professional and neutral expression that accurately describes leadership qualities and competence in various settings.

What distinguishes "a sense of command" from simple assertiveness?

"A sense of command" implies not just assertiveness but also competence, respect, and the ability to inspire confidence. Someone who is merely assertive might lack the nuanced skill associated with "a sense of command".