assume command of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "assume command of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is taking control or leadership of a situation, group, or operation. Example: "After the previous leader stepped down, she was ready to assume command of the project and lead the team to success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Gordon, obviously thinking poorly of his battalion commander, now asserted a claim to assume command of the 750 survivors.

The Guardian - Books

He chose Franz Stangl, who had previously been the commandant of the Sobibór extermination camp, to assume command of the camp as Eberl's successor.

Wikipedia

Why was Hargrove available to assume command of this dysfunctional outfit?

The New York Times - Sports

Israel promptly invited the Italians to assume command of the peacekeeping force instead of the French.

The Economist

The next afternoon, Nixon announced that the Missouri Highway Patrol would assume command of police operations in Ferguson.

The New Yorker

Chirac also told Annan that "France was prepared to assume command" of the bolstered U.N. force, according to the statement.

The Washington Post

He was about to assume command of the unit, and he invited me to the change-of-command ceremony.

The New York Times

Mr Letta also indicated he would like to see an Italian assume command of Frontex, the EC's boarder protection agency.

Independent

In early 2007, of course, Gen. David H. Petraeus had arrived in Baghdad to assume command of all coalition forces.

The New York Times - Books

Everyone is returning, but the younger players, while talented, are still not ready to assume command of the team.

The New York Times - Sports

Legislation was rushed through parliament paving the way for a 12-member inclusive executive to assume command of Northern Ireland affairs for the first time in 25 years.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "assume command of" when emphasizing the formal transfer of authority or control, especially in military, organizational, or structured settings.

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "assume command of" in everyday, informal situations can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler phrases like "take charge" or "take over" in casual conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "assume command of" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of taking on a position of authority or control. It is commonly used in contexts involving military, organizational, or hierarchical structures, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

19%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "assume command of" is a verb phrase used to describe the act of taking on a position of authority. Ludwig AI indicates it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media, Wiki, and Encyclopedias. While it's a versatile phrase, it's best suited for formal or neutral contexts, like military operations or organizational transitions. Remember that, depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "take command of", "take charge of" or "assume leadership of". Use it judiciously to convey the appropriate level of formality and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take command of

Synonymous, but may imply a more immediate or forceful taking of control.

assume leadership of

Emphasizes the leadership aspect rather than direct control.

take charge of

Implies a broader responsibility and management role.

assume control of

Highlights the act of gaining control over something.

step into the leadership role

Suggests a transition or promotion into a leadership position.

take the reins

Idiomatic expression for taking control, often in a figurative sense.

take over the helm

Suggests assuming control of a ship or organization.

become the leader of

A straightforward way to state someone becomes a leader.

supersede

Emphasizes replacing someone in authority.

accede to power

Focuses on the attainment of power or authority.

FAQs

How to use "assume command of" in a sentence?

Use "assume command of" when someone is officially taking over a position of authority or control, especially in military or structured organizational contexts. For example, "The general will assume command of the troops tomorrow."

What can I say instead of "assume command of"?

You can use alternatives like "take command of", "assume leadership of", or "take charge of" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "assume command of" or "take command of"?

Both "assume command of" and "take command of" are correct and often interchangeable. "Assume" implies a formal acceptance of responsibility, while "take" can suggest a more immediate action.

What's the difference between "assume command of" and "assume control of"?

"Assume command of" typically refers to taking over a leadership role or position, while "assume control of" refers to gaining control over something, such as a system or situation. Both phrases describe a transfer of power, but in slightly different domains.