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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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be at someone's disposal

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Tenzing is at everyone's disposal.

News & Media

The New Yorker

The state's political infrastructure will be at her disposal.

News & Media

Huffington Post

Bulletproof vests will also be at their disposal.

News & Media

The Guardian

Every creation and innovation will be at her disposal.

News & Media

Huffington Post

All these services may be at your disposal.

Everything in the mall is at the players' disposal.

Grote's polis is at the disposal of the citizen.

I'm at your disposal".

"Everything is at your disposal.

News & Media

The New York Times

Her body is at their disposal.

News & Media

The New Yorker

But few are at her disposal.

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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Distinguish between using it for people and things; when applied to resources or technology, it emphasizes total control and immediate utility.

Common error

Avoid using "under" or "in" instead of "at". Phrases like "under someone's disposal" are non-standard and should be replaced with the correct idiom "at someone's disposal".

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

94%

Authority and reliability

4.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be at someone's disposal" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase. It consists of the copular verb "be" followed by a prepositional phrase acting as a complement. According to Ludwig AI, it typically describes a state of total availability or subjection to another's will.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "be at someone's disposal" is a versatile and formal idiom that signifies complete availability. Whether referring to a suite of technological tools or a person's time and expertise, the phrase effectively communicates readiness for use. Ludwig AI highlights its prevalence in high-quality journalism and formal documentation, making it a reliable choice for professional writing. When using it, remember that the correct preposition is "at", and it is most effective when highlighting the resources or assistance available to a decision-maker. It remains a staple of formal English, balancing politeness with a clear indication of utility.

FAQs

What is the meaning of "be at someone's disposal"?

It means to be available for someone to use in any way they wish. You can also use "at someone's service" to convey a similar sense of readiness.

Can I say "I am at your disposal" in a cover letter?

Yes, it is a very formal and professional way to indicate that you are ready for an interview or to provide more information. A slightly more modern alternative is "available at your convenience".

Is "at your disposal" rude?

No, it is generally considered polite and professional. However, in a very casual setting, it might sound overly formal compared to saying "happy to help".

What is the difference between "at your disposal" and "at your command"?

While both imply availability, "at your command" suggests a stricter power dynamic where one party is under the direct orders of another.

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Source & Trust

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Authority and reliability

4.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: