acting on the command of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "acting on the command of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone who is following orders or instructions given by another person or authority. Example: "The officer was acting on the command of his superior when he made the arrest."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

If the priests are, in fact, acting out the commands of God, they're like engineers or generals, trying to get certain things done, based on the data that's available to them.

Huffington Post

Defense officials confirmed on Friday that pilots acting under the command of other forces, such as the United States and Canada, have conducted strikes following a Freedom of Information (FOI) request by the human rights group Reprieve.

Vice

The camp has been housing Polish, Bulgarian and Thai soldiers, and the American soldiers are officially acting under the command of a Polish general.

The New York Times

The lower level scheme controls the fuel cell acting on the compressor command and on the back pressure valves of anode and cathode.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

It only applies when the subject would likely better comply with duties overall by treating the commands as authoritative (i.e. establishing content independent and preemptive duties to obey the commands) than by acting on the basis of an independent assessment of the rightness of each action.

SEP

Unlike at Stillman's Run, the troops waited for Colonel Henry Dodge's commands before acting on the field of battle.

Wikipedia

acting on the basis of certain values...

Los Angeles Times

Therefore, Fitch's ships, acting on a command from Nimitz, rendezvoused with TF 17 north of New Caledonia on 1 May, after refueling from the tanker on 25 April to thwart the Japanese offensive.

Wikipedia

F w sum of forces acting on the base fluid.

Nanoscale Research Letters

He argues, with an assured command of his sources, that Lenin was an incorrigible optimist about working-class organisation: his overarching aim was to encourage it through education, agitation and exemplary, heroic action, rather than acting on the workers' behalf.

The Guardian - Books

In John's version of the story, Julian is assassinated by a soldier the Christian Martyr Mercurius acting on the command of the Blessed Virgin.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "acting on the command of", ensure the source of the command is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify "acting on the command of the captain" instead of just "acting on command".

Common error

Avoid using "acting on the command of" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "as instructed" or "following orders" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acting on the command of" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb, indicating the reason or basis for an action. It specifies that an action is performed because of an order or instruction from someone in authority. Even if Ludwig does not provide direct examples, it's a valid and usable English phrase.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "acting on the command of" is a grammatically correct and usable English expression to indicate that someone is performing an action because they have been ordered or instructed to do so. Although Ludwig does not provide specific examples of the phrase in context, it's understood to be suitable for neutral to formal registers, often used in situations involving authority and obedience. Alternatives such as "following orders from" or "under the direction of" can be used to convey a similar meaning. When using the phrase, be sure to clearly identify the source of the command to provide clarity and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as instructed by

A more straightforward way of indicating that someone is following instructions.

following orders from

Emphasizes the adherence to specific instructions received.

under the direction of

Highlights the supervisory aspect of the command.

at the behest of

Implies a formal or authoritative request being followed.

pursuant to the instructions of

Indicates compliance with a set of guidelines or directives.

in compliance with the orders of

Stresses the aspect of adhering to a defined set of regulations.

obeying the directives of

Focuses on the act of obedience to formal instructions.

in accordance with the mandate of

Suggests alignment with an official authorization or charge.

under the authority of

Highlights the power or legal basis behind the command.

guided by the instructions of

Emphasizes the guiding nature of the command, rather than strict obedience.

FAQs

What does "acting on the command of" mean?

It means someone is performing an action because they were ordered or instructed to do so by a person or entity in a position of authority.

How can I use "acting on the command of" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a situation where someone is following orders. For example, "The soldier was "following orders from" his superior when he carried out the mission".

What can I say instead of "acting on the command of"?

You can use alternatives like "following the orders of", "under the direction of", or "as instructed by" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to specify who issued the command when using "acting on the command of"?

Yes, it's best practice to specify who issued the command to avoid ambiguity and provide context. For example, "acting on the command of the general" is clearer than just "acting on command".