appointment to command

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "appointment to command" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to military or organizational leadership, indicating the act of assigning someone to a position of authority. Example: "His appointment to command the new division was met with enthusiasm from the troops."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

MacBride's good service brought him a promotion to master and commander on 7 April 1762, and an appointment to command the fireship.

Wikipedia

Then, in September 1944, came the appointment to command the 393rd heavy bombardment squadron, the A-bomb unit, initially based at Wendover Field in desolate Utah.

The Guardian

His services there led to his appointment to command the army in Italy, where he distinguished himself by forcing the pass of Villafranca and winning the Battle of Coni in 1744.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Lydiard finally returned to active service in December 1805, with an appointment to command the 38-gun.

Wikipedia

Giving Frémont a second chance, Lincoln approved his appointment to command the strategically important Mountain Department, overseeing the mountainous region surrounding the Virginia and Kentucky border.

Wikipedia

Walker received an appointment to command the new 32-gun on 1 July 1801 and took a convoy of merchants to Jamaica.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

On his return to London he was cheered by the appointment, in 1784, to command a frigate bound for the West Indies.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In 879 the death of the founder of the Saffarid state, Ya'qub al-Saffar, allowed the Abbasid government to fully concentrate its attention against the Zanj rebellion, and Abu'l-Abbas' appointment in December 879 to command against the rebels at the head of 10,000 troops marks the turning-point of the war.

Wikipedia

While Obama has discussed the merits of counter-terrorism, the policies he has adopted have emphasized COIN, including both the appointment of General McChrystal to command operations in Afghanistan and the details of his March strategy.

Huffington Post

From the start, it was clear that bipartisan support would be essential to success in the war effort, and any manner of compromise alienated factions on both sides of the aisle, such as the appointment of Republicans and Democrats to command positions in the Union Army.

Wikipedia

From his first appointment to high command, McClellan had toyed with the idea of a "dictatorship," albeit one not seized by coup but granted by an act of Congress.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "appointment to command" when formally announcing someone's assignment to a leadership role, especially in military, organizational, or historical contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "appointment to command" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "assigned to lead" or "put in charge" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "appointment to command" functions as a noun phrase that describes the act of assigning someone to a position of authority. Ludwig examples confirm that it typically introduces information about career advancements and military postings.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

40%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "appointment to command" is a formal phrase used to describe the assignment of an individual to a leadership role. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in military, organizational, and historical contexts. While versatile, it's best suited for formal announcements and professional communications. When aiming for more casual language, consider using alternatives like "assigned to lead" or "put in charge". It is important to avoid "Overuse in Informal Contexts". The phrase sees frequent use in Wiki, News & Media, and Encyclopedias sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assignment to lead

Replaces "appointment" with "assignment" and "command" with "lead", simplifying the language while maintaining the core meaning.

designated to command

Substitutes "appointment" with "designated", emphasizing the act of being chosen for a commanding role.

named to lead

Uses "named" instead of "appointment", highlighting the act of officially selecting someone for leadership.

selected to command

Focuses on the selection process, implying a deliberate choice for the commanding position.

given command

Simplifies the structure to emphasize the act of granting authority.

placed in command

Highlights the act of positioning someone in a leadership role.

assigned leadership

Focuses on the assignment of leadership responsibilities.

put in charge

An informal alternative, indicating the act of placing someone in a position of authority.

invested with authority

Emphasizes the granting of power and responsibility.

tasked with leading

Highlights the responsibility of leading as a primary task.

FAQs

How is "appointment to command" typically used?

The phrase "appointment to command" is generally used in formal contexts, such as military or organizational announcements, to indicate that someone has been officially assigned to a leadership position. For instance, it might be used to announce a new general or CEO. Examples of its use can be found in Ludwig.

What are some alternatives to "appointment to command"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "assignment to lead", "named to lead", or "selected to command" to convey a similar meaning. Ludwig provides a range of options for nuanced expression.

Is "appointment to command" too formal for everyday use?

Yes, "appointment to command" is generally considered formal and might sound unnatural in casual conversation. Simpler phrases like "put in charge" or "assigned to lead" are more appropriate for informal settings.

What's the difference between "appointment to command" and "promotion to command"?

"Appointment to command" refers to the initial assignment to a leadership position, whereas "promotion to command" implies that the individual has already held a position and is now being advanced to a higher level of authority. The key difference is that promotion suggests prior experience and upward movement within a hierarchy.