at the command

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the command" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone is acting under the authority or direction of another person or entity. Example: "The soldiers moved swiftly at the command of their captain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Enter the following command at the Command Prompt: Reboot your computer.

WikiHow

Vann had remained at the command post for this lift.

The New Yorker

Several of them met us at the command center.

The New Yorker

Officials at the command center agreed with that assessment.

The New York Times

"I kill fifty Vietcong today," he would announce to reporters arriving at the command post.

The New Yorker

But in July, they ordered the finished building demolished at the command of anonymous higher-ups.

The New York Times

"My heart is veiled, but my soul is at the command of God," he said.

The New York Times

A security official at the command said officials "didn't witness any security breach".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

For XPP output, we run facile.pl -rx model at the command-line to generate model.ode.ode

BMC Systems Biology

The package is driven at the command-line, and is meant for users familiar with the R language.

Bioinformatics

The full DIYA pipeline is executed at the command-line using a simple Perl script which calls methods in diya.pm.

Bioinformatics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at the command", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is issuing the command. For instance, "The soldiers moved at the command of their officer."

Common error

Avoid using "at the command" when the action isn't directly ordered but merely suggested or influenced. Use alternatives like "due to influence" or "following advice" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the command" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb, indicating that an action is performed because of a specific order or instruction. As Ludwig highlights, it denotes actions carried out under authority.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Wiki

28%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at the command" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that signifies actions carried out under specific orders or instructions. Ludwig confirms its accuracy and usability. Predominantly found in news, media, and wiki sources, its formality ranges from neutral to professional. When using this phrase, it's essential to clearly indicate the source of the command to avoid ambiguity. While "at the command" is widely accepted, variations like "under orders" or "as directed by" may offer nuance depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under orders

This alternative shifts the focus to the state of being directed, implying obedience to instructions.

on the instructions of

This specifies that the action is directly based on someone's instructions.

by direction of

This phrase emphasizes the aspect of being guided or managed by someone.

at the behest of

This implies a request or urging that is being followed.

as directed by

Highlights adherence to someone's specific directions.

upon the order of

This alternative gives emphasis to official or formal instructions.

following instructions

Focuses on the act of adhering to provided instructions.

under control of

This shifts the emphasis to being managed or governed by someone.

as commanded by

This suggests a more authoritative or forceful directive.

pursuant to orders

This is a formal way of saying something is done according to specific orders.

FAQs

How can I use "at the command" in a sentence?

Use "at the command" to show that someone is acting under orders or direction. For example, "The troops advanced "at the command" of their general".

What phrases are similar to "at the command"?

Alternatives include "under orders", "on the instructions of", or "as directed by", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "at the command of"?

Yes, "at the command of" is the standard and grammatically correct way to use the phrase. For example, "The building was demolished "at the command of" anonymous higher-ups".

What's the difference between "at the command" and "under the direction"?

"At the command" implies a direct order, while "under the direction" suggests guidance or management. The former is more forceful and immediate.