at their command

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at their command" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone has control over or access to something or someone. Example: "The resources were at their command, allowing them to execute the project efficiently."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

During the war exercise, General Franks will command his forces from his new Qatar headquarters while Vice Admiral Keating and Lt. Gen. Earl B. Hailston, the senior Marine commander in the region, will be at their command centers in Bahrain.

The New York Times

But they resist it with all the wiles and techniques at their command.

The Guardian - Opinion

They and the new technologies at their command created the need.

The New York Times - Books

"Native English speakers have tens or hundreds of thousands — estimates vary — of these formulae at their command," he says.

The New York Times - Magazine

And through it all, they promise to "keep it real" with all the artifice at their command.

The New York Times - Arts

The concessions at their command were near-beer, cushions, lemonade, ice cream, opera glasses, cigarettes, sandwiches, and they also managed to get rooms and beds for spectators.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

They sit close together at their table command post, tracing the paths of their stubborn activism.

The New York Times

The prince was transformed into a giant bird, made of flames, which turns women to ashes at their husbands' command.

The New Yorker

Each time the phone rang, another fearful, confused, urgent or sometimes oblivious voice asked for information that the Port Authority police officers at their various command desks mostly did not have.

The New York Times

There's something undeniably moving about seeing the reunified flight directors and controllers, most now in their 80s and 90s, seated at their original command posts, reflecting on their shared triumphs and tragedies while acknowledging the toll all those stress-filled hours would often take on their family life.

Los Angeles Times

It moves with them at will, enlarging their command of streets, fields, sitting rooms, and night clubs; rapid cutting then doubles the speed of their quarrels.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at their command", ensure the subject clearly possesses the resources or abilities being referenced. For example, "The general had a vast army at his command."

Common error

Avoid assuming unlimited power. "At their command" suggests control over specific resources, not necessarily absolute authority. Be precise about what is under their control.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at their command" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or verb, indicating that something is available for use or under the control of a specific group or individual. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which identifies the phrase as grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

12%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at their command" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression indicating control or access to resources. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It frequently appears in news and media, encyclopedia entries, and academic writing. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity about the scope of control and consider alternatives such as "at their disposal" or "under their control" to fine-tune the intended meaning. By avoiding common errors and following best practices, you can effectively incorporate "at their command" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at their disposal

Emphasizes the availability of something for use.

under their control

Focuses on the aspect of authority and management.

within their reach

Highlights accessibility and ease of obtaining something.

at their fingertips

Implies immediate and effortless access.

subject to their authority

Specifically points to hierarchical control and power.

available to them

A general way of saying something is accessible.

in their possession

Stresses ownership and holding of resources.

accessible to them

Highlights the ease with which something can be obtained or used.

in their power

Emphasizes the capability and strength to utilize something.

on hand for them

Suggests readiness and immediate availability.

FAQs

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

Use "at their command" to indicate that someone has control over, access to, or the ability to use something. For instance, "The CEO had a team of experts "at their disposal"" is similar to saying they have experts "at their command".

What are some alternatives to "at their command"?

You can use phrases like "at their disposal", "under their control", or "within their reach", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "at their disposal" or "at their command"?

Both phrases are relatively formal, but "at their command" can imply a stronger sense of authority or control, while "at their disposal" simply suggests availability for use.

What is the difference between "at their command" and "at their service"?

"At their command" means resources or abilities are controlled by them, whereas "at their service" implies individuals are ready to assist or obey them.