a shaky command

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a shaky command" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's uncertain or weak ability to control or manage a situation, skill, or language. Example: "Despite her efforts, she still had a shaky command of the new software, which made the presentation challenging."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

His narrative aimlessness, and languorous pacing, set, incongruously, against a laugh track, suggest a shaky command of his larger purpose.

The New York Times - Arts

NEW DELHI — Eleven years ago, when she took over as president of India's oldest political party, Sonia Gandhi was seen as India's most improbable politician: a foreigner with a shaky command of Hindi, reclusive to the point of seeming aloof, a wife who had fought to keep her husband from joining politics and who lost him to an assassination.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

… When they appear at public hearings on their projects (which they do all the time, and which they consider part of their aesthetic process), Christo, who is Bulgarian by birth, speaks with an intensity that overcomes his accent and his still shaky command of English, while Jeanne-Claude's French-tinted fluency gets all the laughs.

The New Yorker

One problem is that since the focus is on communication rather than on accurate and secure knowledge and skills, pupils can achieve high grades with very shaky command of the foreign language, both written and spoken.

The Guardian

A "British tourist" giving his name as James Bonar was featured on national television dishing out effusive praise for "wonderful" Azerbaijan, but his shaky command of English cast doubt on his authenticity, leaving some to question whether he'd been used prop to promote the games.

The Guardian

That includes a run, two hits and two walks in a shaky performance Monday that followed two command performances.

The New York Times - Sports

A Shaky Start.

The New York Times - Science

Yemen is a shaky state.

The New York Times

But he subsists on a shaky network.

The New York Times

Millwood had a shaky start.

The New York Times - Sports

It is a shaky start.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's abilities, use "a shaky command" to subtly imply they are not entirely incompetent, but still require improvement. This is often more nuanced than simply saying they 'lack' the skill.

Common error

Avoid using "a shaky command" when the person has absolutely no skill. The phrase implies some level of existing ability, albeit unstable or weak. If there's no skill to begin with, use phrases like "complete lack of" or "no command of".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a shaky command" is to act as a descriptive phrase, modifying a noun to indicate the quality or state of someone's ability. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a shaky command" is a phrase used to describe an unstable or imperfect ability. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct, but relatively rare in occurrence. The phrase is most often found in news and media contexts. When using "a shaky command", ensure that the subject possesses some level of the skill being described, as the phrase implies existing but imperfect ability. Alternatives include phrases like "a tenuous grasp" or "an imperfect command", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a tenuous grasp

Emphasizes the fragility and uncertainty of understanding or control.

an unsteady control

Highlights the instability and lack of firmness in managing something.

a fragile mastery

Suggests a delicate or easily broken level of skill.

an imperfect command

Directly points out the presence of flaws or shortcomings in the skill.

a flawed control

Highlights the defects and limitations in one's ability to manage or direct something.

a deficient command

Indicates a lack or inadequacy in the level of skill or control.

a limited control

Focuses on the restrictions and boundaries of one's ability.

a spotty skill

Highlights the uneven or inconsistent nature of the ability.

a faltering command

Suggests a decline or weakening in the ability to control.

a rudimentary understanding

Indicates a basic or fundamental level of comprehension.

FAQs

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

You can use "a shaky command" to describe someone's uncertain or weak ability in a specific area. For instance, "Despite studying for years, he still had "a shaky command" of the language".

What are some alternatives to "a shaky command"?

Alternatives include "a tenuous grasp", "an unsteady control", or "an imperfect command", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "a shaky command" is appropriate for formal writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and understandable, and found primarily in news and media.

What does "a shaky command" imply about someone's skills?

It suggests that the person has some level of skill or understanding, but it is not fully developed or reliable. It's more nuanced than saying they have no skill at all.