by command of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by command of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in formal contexts, often in legal or military documents, to indicate that an action is being taken at the direction of someone in authority. Example: "The order was issued by command of the general, instructing all troops to mobilize immediately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Hence Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Naqdi, the Basij commander, was appointed in 2009 "by command" of Khamenei at the suggestion of Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari, the IRGC commander.

The Guardian

Leven C. Allen, "By command of Lieutenant General Bradley" E. J. Blakely, Jr., "By command of Brigadier General Rogers" 44.

Cornell University

Campaign maps, Army of the Potomac / prepared by command of Maj.

Yale University

Abbot, Henry L. Campaign Maps, Army of the Potomac / Prepared By Command of Maj.

Yale University

You ought, O Catiline, long ago to have been led to execution by command of the consul.

The New Yorker

Campaign Maps, Army of the Potomac : Map No. 3. White House to Harrison's Landing / Prepared By Command of Maj.

Yale University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

The micro-controller is Intel 80C296SA; motor part: impresses electricity to the motor as much as wanted by commands of the motor.

Boundary Value Problems

motor part: impresses electricity to the motor as much as wanted by commands of the motor.  . the communication part: receives communication commands from the host computer; the power part: makes power to operate the motor and micro-controller; the micro-controller part: translates the communication commands from the host computer and makes the control commands of the motor.

Boundary Value Problems

Thirdly, we further calculate root mean squared fluctuation (RMSF) for each protein residue by commands of g_rmsf.

BioMed Research International

Breath hold was communicated to the patients by commands of the therapist who checked by video screen monitoring if the instructions were followed by the patient before activating the beam.

BioMed Research International

Certainly it is Nichols who has taken day-by-day command of the team's career.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "by command of", ensure that the context reflects a clear hierarchical structure or authoritative source directing the action. This phrase adds formality and emphasizes the power dynamic involved.

Common error

Avoid using "by command of" when the action originates from a suggestion or request rather than a direct order from a recognized authority. Using it in such cases can sound exaggerated or insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by command of" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating the source of authority or the basis for an action. It emphasizes that an action is taken due to an order or instruction from someone in a position of power. Ludwig examples show this in contexts ranging from military orders to historical decrees.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by command of" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate that an action is performed due to an order from an authority. As Ludwig AI illustrates, it's most commonly found in formal contexts such as news reports, academic papers, and historical accounts. The phrase emphasizes the power dynamic and authoritative source, making it appropriate when conveying respect and formality. Although grammatically correct, avoid overusing "by command of" in informal settings or when the action stems from a suggestion rather than a direct order. Consider alternatives such as "under orders from" or "at the direction of" for similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under orders from

Specifies that an action is being carried out because of direct instructions; emphasizes the hierarchical aspect of the instruction.

on the authority of

Highlights the legitimacy and power behind the action; suggests the action is officially sanctioned.

at the direction of

Emphasizes guidance and control, suggesting careful management of the activity.

pursuant to the instructions of

A formal way of indicating compliance with set guidelines or a series of commands.

as instructed by

Straightforward and clear, focusing on adherence to precise instructions.

on the orders of

Directly indicates a command structure, similar to 'under orders from' but slightly more succinct.

acting upon the decree of

Indicates a formal, legalistic context, implying that an official decree is being followed.

under the mandate of

Refers to actions taken within an official capacity; often relates to political or legal directives.

as per the directive of

Highlights adherence to a specific, authoritative directive or instruction.

following the lead of

Indicates guidance or influence, without necessarily implying direct orders; less authoritative.

FAQs

How can I use "by command of" in a sentence?

Use "by command of" to indicate that an action is being performed because someone in a position of authority has ordered it. For example, "The troops were mobilized by command of the general."

What's the difference between "by command of" and "by order of"?

Both phrases indicate authority, but "by command of" often implies a more direct, personal instruction from the authority figure, whereas "by order of" can refer to a more general directive.

Are there situations where using "by command of" is inappropriate?

Yes, it's inappropriate if the action wasn't a direct order from a recognized authority or if the context doesn't warrant such formal language. Using it casually can sound overly dramatic.

What are some alternatives to "by command of" that I can use?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "under orders from", "at the direction of", or "as instructed by" to convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances.