a solid command

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a solid command" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong understanding or mastery of a subject or skill. Example: "She has a solid command of the Spanish language, allowing her to communicate effectively with native speakers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Candidates must have a solid command of written and spoken English.

Stanford University

Luckily, See is gifted with a lucid, graceful style and a solid command of her many motifs.

The New York Times - Books

Easier said than done: The FSA is a ragtag force that must be rebuilt into a real rebel army with a solid command structure.

The Washington Post

With a solid command of fundamental principles, practice and application become natural extensions of engineering thought, enabling graduates to adapt to a wide variety of professional situations.

Princeton University

Mr. Bloomberg routinely summarizes his remarks in heavily accented Spanish at the end of news conferences, and he has taken questions in Spanish, demonstrating a solid command of the language, if not an ear for it.

The New York Times

With a solid command of the material, she felt at the top of her game and was relieved that she'd spent so much time practicing and preparing for this meeting.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Nationals General Manager Mike Rizzo has made this point before: With a 91-mph fastball and solid command, Papelbon posted a 3.04 ERA and went 24 for 26 in save chances.

The Washington Post

Purists beware: "Tempest Redux" at the Odyssey Theatre boldly transposes Shakespeare's play to a darker, more unsettling key, but the inventive staging and solid command of source text make for a memorable re-imagining.

Los Angeles Times

The Jerusalem area militia of Abd al-Qadir al-Husayni was absent from both of these meetings, making it increasingly difficult to form a solid military command among the rebels.

Wikipedia

He has solid command of four pitches, including a fastball that hovers in the mid-90s.

The New York Times - Sports

Working as his own cinematographer and editor, Sheffield shows some solid command of his craft and gets decent performances from a cast of unknowns, who all have a refreshingly non-Hollywood presence — even when they're stuck in silly "super assassin" masks and costumes looking like they're headed to a Halloween party.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a solid command" to describe someone's expertise or skill in a particular area, highlighting their competency and understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "a solid command" when describing basic or intermediate skills. Reserve it for situations where true expertise or mastery is evident.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a solid command" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes the quality or extent of someone's ability or expertise. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a solid command" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe a strong level of expertise or proficiency in a particular area. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for both formal and informal contexts, particularly in news, academic, and professional settings. While "a good command" implies satisfactory competence, "a solid command" suggests a deeper and more dependable level of skill. When using the phrase, ensure it aligns with the actual level of expertise being described to avoid overstatement. Alternatives include "a strong grasp", "a firm understanding", and "comprehensive knowledge".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a strong command

Replaces "solid" with "strong", emphasizing the degree of mastery.

a complete command

Stresses that command is total and absolute.

a good command

Replaces "solid" with "good", indicating a satisfactory level of competence.

a firm grasp

Uses "grasp" instead of "command", focusing on understanding and control.

a sound understanding

Substitutes "command" with "understanding", highlighting comprehension.

a masterful command

Highlights exceptional skill and expertise.

a comprehensive knowledge

Replaces "command" with "knowledge", stressing the breadth of understanding.

a thorough mastery

Emphasizes complete control and skill through the word "mastery".

a robust control

Uses "robust" to emphasize the strength and stability of the command.

a proficient handling

Focuses on skill and ease of managing something.

FAQs

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

You can use "a solid command" to describe someone's strong ability or expertise in a particular area. For example, "She has "a solid command" of the English language."

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

Alternatives include "a strong grasp", "a firm understanding", or "a comprehensive knowledge" depending on the specific context.

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

Yes, "a solid command" is suitable for formal writing. It clearly conveys a strong level of competence or expertise in a particular subject or skill.

What's the difference between "a good command" and "a solid command"?

"A solid command" implies a more robust and dependable level of skill or knowledge than "a good command". "Solid" suggests stability and depth.