being able to command

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being able to command" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the ability to direct or control something or someone effectively. Example: "Being able to command a room is an essential skill for any public speaker."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"Being able to command both sides of the plate in and out with my fastball is huge for me," Sabathia said.

The New York Times - Sports

So troops, hang in there, because help's on the way because he, better than anyone, isn't he known for being able to command, fire!

The Guardian

Meanwhile, the executive, while in theory supremely powerful in this field, has in fact continually to woo the legislature without ever being able to command its support.

The Guardian - Books

The party's fear is that Cameron will try to claim that having the most seats means he has won the election, despite not being able to command the confidence of the House of Commons with the help of Lib Dems, the DUP and/or Ukip.

The Guardian

Getting involved in this conflict-minerals effort was never motivated by a desire to sell more microprocessors, or even being able to command any kind of price premium for a product that was perceived by consumers to be more 'conscious minded'," she told the Guardian.

The Guardian

Kesselring believed that first-hand knowledge of all aspects of aviation was crucial to being able to command airmen, although he was well aware that latecomers like himself did not impress the old pioneers or the young aviators.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

"Tonight, he was able to command both sides of the plate effectively".

The New York Times - Sports

So the best writers should be able to command the best rates.

The Guardian - Money

Increasingly women are able to command incomes that enable them to live more independent lives.

Independent

In other words, he would not be able to command the space-shuttle mission in April.

The New York Times

A better-educated workforce has been able to command higher pay.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "being able to command" when you want to emphasize the ongoing nature of the ability or the process of gaining command.

Common error

Overusing passive voice can weaken your writing. Instead of saying "He was able to command the team", use the active voice: "He commanded the team".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being able to command" functions as a gerund phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It emphasizes the capability or potential to direct, control, or influence something, aligning with its usage in various contexts, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Wiki

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

14%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "being able to command" is a grammatically sound gerund phrase used to express the capacity or potential to direct, control, or influence. As Ludwig indicates, this phrase is most commonly found in News & Media. While grammatically correct, using the active voice can make your writing stronger. Related phrases, such as "having the capacity to direct", can provide alternative ways to express similar ideas. Ludwig AI confirms the usability and correctness of this phrase in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

having the capacity to direct

Focuses on the inherent capacity rather than the active ability, implying potential.

possessing the skill to manage

Emphasizes skill and management aspects, implying competence in handling something.

being in a position to control

Highlights the positional advantage that enables control, suggesting authority.

having the authority to direct

Stresses the official right or power to give directions or orders, which is more formal.

being capable of leading

Shifts the focus to leadership, suggesting influence and guidance over others.

having the power to influence

Emphasizes the ability to affect outcomes or decisions, which may be more subtle than direct command.

being equipped to oversee

Implies preparedness and the necessary tools or resources for supervision.

possessing command skills

Highlights the skills specifically needed for commanding, focusing on expertise.

being able to take charge

Focuses on the action of assuming responsibility and control, often in urgent situations.

having mastery over

Suggests a high level of skill or knowledge that allows for effective control or command.

FAQs

How can I use "being able to command" in a sentence?

You can use "being able to command" to describe someone's capacity to control or direct something. For example, "Being able to command both sides of the plate in and out with my fastball is huge for me".

What are some alternatives to "being able to command"?

Alternatives include "having the capacity to direct", "possessing the skill to manage", or "being in a position to control". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "being able to command" or "having the ability to command"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct. "Being able to command" emphasizes the ongoing capability, while "having the ability to command" stresses the possession of that ability. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "being able to command" and "commanding"?

"Being able to command" refers to the capability, while "commanding" typically refers to the action itself. For example, "He is being able to command the troops" describes his capacity, while "He is commanding the troops" describes his current action.