at the command of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the command of" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that something was done because someone in authority (such as a ruler or a person with power) requested or ordered it. For example, "The soldiers marched forward at the command of their commander."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Amory Lovins, the chief RMI energy poobah, assembles a roomful of experts at the command of the recently former Commander-in-Chief.

Huffington Post

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

At the command of "face your dogs," the animals were turned toward each other.

The New York Times

In the train carriage, Mr. Stone was the first to act, jumping up at the command of Mr. Skarlatos.

The New York Times

Back then, the officers were likely to be white and at the command of a racial dictatorship.

The New York Times

Canticle II tells the story of Abraham's near-sacrifice of his beloved son, Isaac, at the command of God.

The New York Times - Arts

His last journey (across the Sahara to Western Africa) was taken unwillingly at the command of the sultan.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The apostle is said to have been martyred by flaying and beheading at the command of the Armenian king Astyages.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Sometime after 5 A.M. on August 22nd, Sepúlveda woke up from a dream at the command of his dead grandfather.

The New Yorker

Sometime after 5am on 22 August, Sepúlveda woke up from a dream at the command of his dead grandfather.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the command of" to clearly indicate that an action was performed due to a specific order or instruction from a person or entity in authority. This adds precision and formality to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "at the command of" in casual conversation or informal writing. It is best suited for situations where a formal order or directive is involved, as it can sound overly formal or stilted in everyday contexts. Simpler alternatives are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the command of" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase indicating that an action or event occurs as a result of a direct order or instruction. It connects an action with its authoritative source, as seen in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at the command of" is a prepositional phrase used to denote that an action is carried out because of an order or instruction from an authority. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in formal contexts such as news reports, encyclopedias, and academic texts. While "at the command of" is appropriate in such settings, it should be avoided in informal conversations where simpler alternatives would be more suitable. By considering both the grammatical correctness and the context, writers can effectively utilize this phrase in professional and formal writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under the direction of

Replaces "command" with "direction", emphasizing guidance rather than strict orders.

on the orders of

Swaps "command" for "orders", maintaining a formal tone and sense of authority.

by order of

A more concise alternative, highlighting the authority behind the action.

under the authority of

Emphasizes the legitimacy of the instruction rather than the act of commanding.

at the direction of

Uses "direction" instead of "command", suggesting guidance or control.

acting on instructions from

Highlights the action taken based on specific guidance received.

as instructed by

Directly indicates that the action was a result of explicit guidance.

following the orders of

Focuses on obedience and adherence to a set of instructions.

pursuant to the instructions of

A formal way of saying that something is done in accordance with someone's guidance.

by the decree of

Indicates a formal, often legal, order or decision.

FAQs

What does "at the command of" mean?

The phrase "at the command of" means that something is done because someone in authority has ordered or requested it.

When is it appropriate to use "at the command of"?

Use "at the command of" in formal contexts where you want to emphasize that an action was taken due to a direct order or instruction. It's suitable for historical accounts, legal documents, or official reports.

What can I say instead of "at the command of"?

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

Is "at the command of" the same as "under the authority of"?

While similar, "at the command of" emphasizes a direct order, whereas "under the authority of" highlights the legitimacy or power that allows someone to give the order. The former suggests a specific action, while the latter indicates a broader scope of control.