can be commanded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be commanded" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the ability of something or someone to follow orders or instructions. Example: "The robot can be commanded to perform various tasks, such as cleaning or organizing."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Indeed, Iranians are on the threshold of turning the Koran's ethical injunction into a democratic commandment: nothing good can be commanded without a vote of the people.

The New York Times

Missiles can be guided from great distances and drone aircraft can be commanded by a joystick, but journalists still have to go and see where the bombs landed.

The New York Times

Early in his career, while developing a machine that used servomotors, which can be commanded to start and stop very precisely, Mr. Gilmore began considering ways that they might be used in a self-tuning piano.

The New York Times - Tech

Each chamber is sealed with retractable doors that can be commanded to open and close at designated altitudes.

Journal of Microbiological Methods

The robot has a pen to draw shapes and can be commanded from a computer via a wireless link that is transparent to the students.

Computers in Human Behavior

So devices such as VR/AR headsets, and — on the VPA front — Amazon's voice-driven Echo speaker (pictured above) which houses its Alexa voice assistant and can be commanded to do things like play music, tell you the weather, or buy stuff on Amazon.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

The sound systems can be commanding.

The New York Times - Travel

It's about surrendering to a vertigo that can never be mastered, to an abyss that can never be commanded, or excavated or filled in.

The Guardian - Books

These days, if those promoters don't get the gig, it might be because of the superstar fees that can now be commanded by Mr. Zimmerman — the performer.

The New York Times

The mission team must decide if the harpoons can now be commanded to fire without unsteadying the robot still further.

BBC

"Then all things can be freely commanded in the mind" ["Bootstrapping Ourselves"].

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be commanded", ensure the subject performing the action is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "The system can be commanded", specify "The robot can be commanded".

Common error

Avoid overuse of passive constructions like "can be commanded". Active voice often creates more direct and engaging sentences. For example, consider rewriting "The robot can be commanded to move" as "You can command the robot to move".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be commanded" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating the possibility or ability of something to receive and execute commands. As noted by Ludwig, this construction is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

43%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can be commanded" is a grammatically sound passive verb phrase used to describe something capable of receiving and executing commands. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. While not exceedingly common, it appears primarily in scientific and news media contexts. When using this phrase, be mindful of potential ambiguity by specifying the subject and considering whether an active voice construction might be more direct. Alternatives like "can be directed" or "can be controlled" offer subtle variations in meaning, depending on the intended nuance. The key is to ensure clarity and precision in conveying the subject's ability to respond to instructions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be directed

Replaces "commanded" with "directed", implying guidance rather than strict orders.

can be controlled

Substitutes "commanded" with "controlled", suggesting a broader influence over actions.

can be instructed

Replaces "commanded" with "instructed", focusing on providing guidance or information.

responds to commands

Focuses on the action of responding rather than the ability to command.

is manageable

Changes the structure to focus on ease of management rather than direct orders.

is responsive to direction

Combines responsiveness with direction, highlighting adaptability.

is governable

Implies a capacity for being ruled or influenced, shifting the emphasis from specific commands to overall governance.

is subject to orders

Highlights the aspect of being under someone's authority.

is amenable to control

Emphasizes willingness or susceptibility to being controlled.

is pilotable

Similar to 'controllable', this suggests that the system or object has mechanisms that allow someone to direct it.

FAQs

How can I use "can be commanded" in a sentence?

You can use "can be commanded" to describe something that is able to receive and execute orders, such as, "The drone "can be commanded" remotely".

What are some alternatives to "can be commanded"?

Alternatives include "can be directed", "can be controlled", or "can be instructed", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "can be commanded"?

While "can be commanded" is grammatically correct, using the active voice might create a more direct sentence. Consider rewriting "The system can be commanded" as "Users can command the system".

What is the difference between "can be commanded" and "is manageable"?

"Can be commanded" implies the ability to give specific orders, whereas "is manageable" suggests a broader capacity for being handled or controlled effectively.