accept command

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "accept command" is both correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to convey either the idea that someone is following a command or the idea that someone is agreeing to obey a command. For example, "The troops accepted the general's command without question."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The chief goes on to suggest two options in the case: to continue with the officer's suspension and the investigation, or for the officer to accept "command discipline".

The New York Times

In addition, many of these programs do not accept command line arguments, limiting their ability to serve as a "helper" application to be run by other applications.

Journal of Molecular Graphics and Modelling

Based on the tracking update message from DMR, the MME updates the DMR location and replies with a tracking area update accept command to the DMR.

Journal of Modern Transportation

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

For example, the bots are likely to accept commands only from trusted C&C centers.

EURASIP Journal on Information Security

It has to be able to accept commands from the supervisor during the driving session.

European Transport Research Review

It uses a small microcontroller and an IR sensor to accept commands and it can swivel and tilt up and down to take on attackers from all sides.

TechCrunch

Apple has created a provision for a piece of "bridge" hardware that will translate the languages that current devices use to accept commands over to the new language Apple is using.

TechCrunch

His reputation as a field commander established, Charles in 1792 reluctantly accepted command of the Prussian army against Revolutionary France.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Under the Second Republic he published many antisocialist pamphlets and accepted command of the Army of the Alps.

Encyclopedia Britannica

You may find the occasional counterfactual sentence in a serious history book — What if Lee had accepted command of the Union army?

The New York Times - Books

The previous November Ambrose Burnside had reluctantly accepted command of the Army of the Potomac after President Lincoln finally lost all patience with the combat-averse George B. McClellan.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "accept command" to denote a system or individual's ability to receive and process instructions, especially in technical or formal contexts.

Common error

Don't use "accept command" when you mean simple acknowledgment. "Accept" in this context implies not just receiving, but also processing and acting upon the instruction. Use "acknowledge command" if only receipt is meant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "accept command" functions as a verb phrase describing the action of receiving and processing an instruction. Ludwig indicates this is a valid and usable phrase. Examples show its use in contexts ranging from military orders to software instructions.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "accept command" is considered grammatically correct and usable, as confirmed by Ludwig. While its usage is rare, it serves to describe receiving and acting on an instruction, particularly in technical or formal settings. Common contexts include Science, News & Media and Encyclopedias.

When using the phrase, it's crucial to ensure that the context implies not only receipt but also processing and acting upon the instruction, avoiding mere acknowledgment. Alternatives such as "obey an order" or "follow instructions" may be more suitable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obey an order

Focuses specifically on adherence to a direct order.

follow instructions

Implies adherence to a set of guidelines or instructions.

heed a directive

Suggests paying attention and acting upon an official directive.

comply with an order

Highlights conforming to a command or regulation.

submit to authority

Emphasizes yielding to a person or entity in a position of power.

take direction

Indicates a willingness to be guided or managed.

acknowledge instructions

Highlights acknowledging instructions.

respond to a signal

Refers to reacting to a cue or signal.

carry out a directive

Focuses on the completion of a specific directive or order.

adhere to protocol

Emphasizes following established procedures or rules.

FAQs

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

You can use "accept command" to describe a device or system that is designed to receive and process instructions, as in: "The device is programmed to "accept command" from a remote server".

What is a more formal way to say "accept command"?

While "accept command" is already fairly formal, you could use phrases like "receive and execute instructions" or "respond to directives" for even greater formality.

When is it appropriate to use "accept command" instead of "follow instructions"?

"Accept command" is more appropriate when referring to machines, systems, or highly structured environments where instructions are explicit and formalized. "Follow instructions" is more general and suitable for human contexts.

Is "accept command" only used in technical contexts?

While frequently used in technical settings, "accept command" can also be used in military or hierarchical organizations where orders are formally given and expected to be obeyed.