by their command

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by their command" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that an action is being taken as a result of someone's authority or directive. Example: "The soldiers moved into position by their command, ready for the next orders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

In controversial cases the usage panel was consulted, consisting of two hundred writers and scholars "who have distinguished themselves by their command of the English language".

The New York Times - Books

Since the incident, officers at V Corps have been told by their command that any American military convoy in southern Iraq should be considered vulnerable to the paramilitary units.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Coast Guard personnel stationed in Vietnam were encouraged by their commands to donate off duty time to assist in various civic action programs supporting the Vietnamese people.

Wikipedia

By dividing their command structure, the sultan may reduce the threat they pose.

The New York Times

High-ranking Colombian Army commanders bear responsibility for hundreds of civilian killings committed by troops under their command, according to a scathing report released by Human Rights Watch (HRW) last week, On Their Watch.

Huffington Post

The awkwardness of pointing, shrugging and guessing is here alleviated by their enviable command of the only language in which I can claim fluency.

The New York Times

Scherrer's opulent clothes for very wealthy women could never, by their nature, command a huge following, but it was big enough, until two events completely beyond his control changed the situation.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Some, however, expressed frustration at what they saw as indecisive tactics by their senior command, as well as a general lack of police numbers and of riot-trained backup officers.

The Guardian

In the case of France, for example, this situation can be explained in part by their poor command of the French language (Dos Santos 2005) and by ethnic discrimination (Rebzani and De Koning 2009).

IZA Journal of Migration

It also holds superior officers liable for abductions committed by those under their command.

The New York Times

His secret police chief and his immediate underling were later acquitted for lack of direct evidence linking them to atrocities carried out by paramilitaries under their command.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by their command" to clearly indicate that an action or decision was made under the direct order or authorization of a superior authority. This adds a sense of formality and accountability.

Common error

Avoid using "by their command" when the action was merely influenced or suggested, rather than directly ordered, by the authority. Use phrases like "with their approval" or "under their guidance" instead for less direct influence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by their command" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate that an action or event occurred due to someone's directive. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for use in formal writing.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "by their command" serves to indicate that an action was carried out under the direct order or authorization of an authority figure. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and suitable for use in formal writing. It is most commonly found in news reports and formal documents, emphasizing accountability and the chain of command. Alternatives such as "under their orders" or "at their direction" can be used to convey similar meanings, depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under their orders

Focuses on the directive nature of the instruction.

on their instructions

Emphasizes the specific guidance provided.

at their direction

Highlights the controlling aspect of the instruction.

as they directed

Similar to 'at their direction', emphasizing control.

following their orders

Stresses compliance and adherence.

pursuant to their directives

A more formal way of indicating adherence to instructions.

in accordance with their command

Highlights the action aligns with a defined order.

as commanded by them

Passive voice construction emphasizing the order.

under their authority

Focuses on the legitimacy and power behind the instruction.

as per their instructions

More concise and direct alternative.

FAQs

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

You can use "by their command" to indicate that an action is being taken because someone with authority ordered it. For example, "The soldiers advanced "under their orders", ready to engage the enemy".

What are some alternatives to "by their command"?

Alternatives include "on their instructions", "under their authority", or "at their direction". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "by their command" or "under their command"?

"By their command" emphasizes the direct order from an authority. "Under their command", while grammatically correct, usually refers to a general hierarchical relationship or operational structure rather than a specific order. "By their command" is more about the specific order and who issued the command. If the structure is important then use the alternative phrase "under their command".

What's the difference between "by their command" and "with their permission"?

"By their command" implies a direct order or instruction, while "with their permission" suggests consent or approval. The former indicates a mandatory action, while the latter indicates an allowed action. The nuance is about direct orders vs consent. If you need to express permission, consider using the alternative phrase "with their permission".