authoritative command

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "authoritative command" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a directive that is issued with authority and is expected to be followed. Example: "The manager issued an authoritative command to ensure that all employees adhered to the new safety protocols."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

These scenes are beautifully handled, and although Morgan Freeman is no Mandela lookalike, he gets just right that slight stoop, the rolling gait and the slow, decisive speech, and is soon in authoritative command of the movie.

The Guardian - Film

Encompassing city planning as much as garden design, this panoramic study is impressive not only for its encyclopedic scope but also for the author's authoritative command of so much diverse material and for her lucid writing.

The New York Times - Books

Taking account of Max's spotless, orderly Crown Victoria, and noting his authoritative command of the city's geography and traffic patterns, Vincent understands he is in the presence of a kindred spirit, a professional whose drive to be good at what he does is less an ambition than a reflex.

The New York Times

Here we must distinguish a duty that is owed to the authority and a duty that is merely the result of the authoritative command.

SEP

Instead of the subject trying to figure out exactly how much he owes and who to give it to by coordinating it with many other people, the authority simply takes over these tasks, determines what the subject has reason to do and expects the subject to take its authoritative command as a reason instead of the reasons that directly apply to the action.

SEP

So when police are given authoritative command in schools, they interfere with the functions of both institutions.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

On the other hand, many of the most infamous moral lapses in recent organizational history have involved individuals who were willing to follow authoritative commands rather than questioning their morality.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Such a person would be violating his duty to act autonomously if he complies with authoritative commands on grounds that are independent of the content of the commands.

SEP

Other things have authority over us and the respect they are due includes acknowledgment of their authority and perhaps obedience to their authoritative commands.

SEP

The problem is really only connected with the kinds of political authority that imply content independent duties to comply with authoritative commands.

SEP

Some have argued that authoritative commands simply give especially weighty content independent duties, which can be balanced against other duties (Shapiro 2002).

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "authoritative command" when you want to emphasize both the legitimacy and the expectation of obedience associated with a directive. It's particularly effective in contexts where adherence to rules and procedures is crucial.

Common error

Avoid using "authoritative command" in casual or informal settings. Opt for simpler phrases like "clear instruction" or "direct order" to maintain a natural and approachable tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "authoritative command" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "authoritative" modifies the noun "command". Ludwig indicates this phrase is considered grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

43%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "authoritative command" is a grammatically sound phrase that effectively conveys a directive issued with legitimate authority. As confirmed by Ludwig, its usage is correct and appropriate for contexts requiring adherence to rules and procedures. While not overly common, it is frequently found in news and scientific publications. For alternative expressions, consider phrases like "official directive" or "command with authority", keeping in mind the nuances they bring. Avoid its use in casual settings to maintain a natural tone. Ultimately, the phrase’s power lies in its ability to simultaneously communicate the order and the legitimacy behind it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

command with authority

Rearranges the words to emphasize the aspect of authority accompanying the command.

official directive

Replaces "authoritative" with "official", emphasizing the formal and sanctioned nature of the command.

firm directive

Substitutes "authoritative" with "firm", indicating a command that is unlikely to be changed or disobeyed.

decisive order

Substitutes "authoritative" with "decisive", highlighting the firmness and lack of ambiguity in the command.

imperative order

Uses "imperative" instead of "authoritative", conveying a sense of urgency and necessity in the command.

strict instruction

Replaces "command" with "instruction" and "authoritative" with "strict", suggesting a focus on obedience and adherence.

leadership directive

Highlights the source of the command, emphasizing that it comes from a position of leadership.

controlling order

Uses "controlling" to emphasize the purpose of the order.

authoritarian directive

A stronger more negative form of expressing the same concept.

ruling mandate

Emphasizes the legal and binding nature of the command, often associated with governmental or judicial decisions.

FAQs

How can I use "authoritative command" in a sentence?

You can use "authoritative command" to describe a directive given with clear authority, such as "The general issued an authoritative command to advance".

What can I say instead of "authoritative command"?

Alternatives include "official directive", "decisive order", or "command with authority" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Which is correct, "authoritative command" or "authoritarian command"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct but carry different connotations. "Authoritative command" implies a legitimate and respected authority, while "authoritarian command" suggests a more forceful and potentially oppressive power dynamic.

What's the difference between "authoritative command" and "direct instruction"?

"Authoritative command" emphasizes the source and legitimacy of the directive, while "direct instruction" focuses on the clarity and simplicity of the message itself. The former is more about power, the latter about clarity.