a stronger command

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a stronger command" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the level of authority or control someone has over a subject, skill, or situation. Example: "To lead the team effectively, she needs to establish a stronger command over the project details."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Among the wider spectrum of registered voters in this poll after the Democratic National Convention last week, Mr. Obama has a stronger command of the race.

The New York Times

Among a wider sample of registered voters, which included fewer voters who identified themselves as Republicans, Mr. Obama has a stronger command of the race.

The New York Times

Today Mr. Graham said that Mr. Gore had offered a detailed health care plan and that Mr. Bush had not, and he drew sly attention to a perceived Bush weakness by suggesting that Mr. Gore had a stronger command of policy.

The New York Times

NOW!" If you don't do it now, it is followed up by a stronger command, "PLACE YOUR ITEMS IN THE BAG NOW!" You almost expect a sheriff's deputy to come over and find out why you haven't put those items in the bag yet.

Huffington Post

'Down' is usually combined with 'stay', and is meant to be a stronger command.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

He has a strong command of detail and a sense of humor, albeit a sardonic one.

The New York Times

Coaching was one option, but without a strong command of English, he had a hard time finding work.

The New York Times - Sports

'He doesn't have a strong command of the English language when he calls me a plod,' he said of Healey's outburst.

The Guardian - Sport

Here's the examiner: "All the best candidates demonstrate a strong command of their subjects, and make compelling arguments in clear prose".

Independent

"It can be disruptive for a parent to receive a phone call on the job," he says, and those without a strong command of English may feel more comfortable composing messages in writing.

The New York Times

Darius Charney of the Center for Constitutional Rights, one of the lawyers for the plaintiffs in the case against the city, welcomed the judge's decision, saying that Mr. Bloomberg had a strong command of the case.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a stronger command", ensure that the context clearly indicates what subject, skill, or area the increased command pertains to. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming the audience knows what 'command' refers to. Always specify the area in which the command is stronger to prevent confusion. For example, instead of 'He needs a stronger command', write 'He needs a stronger command of the English language'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a stronger command" functions as a noun phrase, where "stronger" is a comparative adjective modifying the noun "command". It describes a heightened degree of control, authority, or skill. The use of a comparative adjective indicates an increase or improvement in the command.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a stronger command" is a noun phrase indicating an increased level of control, authority, or skill. As verified by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and functions to describe improvements in a specific area, such as language proficiency, leadership, or subject matter expertise. While relatively rare, this phrase is most commonly found in news and media, with a neutral register suitable for various contexts. When using "a stronger command", ensure to clarify the specific area of expertise to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases include ""greater mastery"" and ""firmer control"".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

greater mastery

Focuses on skill and expertise, rather than direct control.

firmer control

Emphasizes tighter regulation or governance.

more robust authority

Highlights increased power or influence.

enhanced grasp

Implies a better understanding and ability to handle something.

deeper expertise

Stresses specialized knowledge and skill.

heightened proficiency

Highlights improved skill level.

superior handling

Focuses on better management and execution.

more effective leadership

Highlights improved leadership capability.

increased influence

Emphasizes expanded power to affect decisions.

amplified jurisdiction

Refers to expanded legal authority or control.

FAQs

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

You can use "a stronger command" to describe improved control, knowledge, or authority over something. For example, "The general needed "a stronger command" of his troops", or "She developed "a stronger command" of the subject matter".

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

Alternatives include "greater mastery", "firmer control", or "enhanced grasp" depending on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to specify what "a stronger command" refers to?

While not always grammatically required, specifying the subject of the command enhances clarity and avoids potential misinterpretations. For example, instead of just stating "He needs "a stronger command"", specify "He needs "a stronger command" of the project details".

How does "a stronger command" differ from "strong command"?

"A strong command" implies a general level of competence or authority, while "a stronger command" suggests an improvement or increase in that competence or authority. It implies a comparison to a previous state or someone else's level.