command

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "command" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are giving an order or instruction to someone. Example: "The teacher issued a command for the students to remain silent during the test."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A sergeant, he took temporary command of his platoon after the senior NCO was killed before his eyes.

The Guardian

"In connection with the completion of the routine springtime training phase for troops that involved their deployment to training grounds in the Rostov, Belgorod and Bryansk regions, among others, the president of Russia gave the command to the defence minister to return the troops taking part in the exercises to their home bases," the Kremlin said.

The Guardian

These were the precursors to the juggernaut now known simply as the Islamic State, which has, under Bagdhadi's command, overrun much of the west and centre of the country and eastern Syria, and drawn the US military back to a deeply destabilised region less than three years after it left vowing never to return.

The Guardian

All command sizeable constituencies; all, however, bring some serious baggage into this election.

The Guardian

However, Lord O'Donnell, the former cabinet secretary who was intimately involved in the 2010 negotiations, said the key constitutional requirement for a prime minister is simply the ability to command the confidence of the House of Commons.

The Guardian

Speaking to the conference from the US military's central command centre in Florida, spokesman Colonel Brian Hoey denied that Al-Jazeera was a target.

The Guardian

So, as the final protracted fade-out into total silence and darkness began, the closing lines rang out: "Say a command", repeated three times; then "Command not recognised", twice.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The rules are very clear and they are laid out in the Cabinet Manual and that says the ability of government to command the confidence of the elected House of Commons is central to its authority to govern".

The Guardian

The former cabinet secretary, who said he would take to the airwaves as soon as the polls closed on Thursday night to remind politicians of the guidelines laid down in the cabinet manual, told the Today programme that the key qualification to enter No 10 was the ability to command the confidence of the House of Commons.

The Guardian

Andriy Parubiy, head of Ukraine's national security and defence council, told the Guardian that these were all coordinated from a single anti-terrorism command centre, but numerous sources on the ground attest to the fact that coordination is poor, and there are major concerns over how ready the volunteer brigades are for combat.

The Guardian

A month later it busily put out a command paper, Action for Roads, which was supposed to detail how that would be spent, promising 52 new schemes, including 221 miles of new motorway lane.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "command" when you want to emphasize authority or control. For less formal contexts, consider using synonyms like "order" or "instruction".

Common error

Avoid using "command" in casual conversations. Phrases like "Could you please..." or "Let's..." are more appropriate for informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "command" is to act as a noun, referring to an order or instruction, or as a verb, meaning to give an order or exercise authority. Examples from Ludwig show it used in both senses, confirming its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "command" is a versatile word that, according to Ludwig AI, is grammatically correct and frequently used in written English. As both a noun and a verb, it signifies authority, control, or an order. It is very common in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Scientific contexts. While generally appropriate, its formality level suggests considering alternatives like "order" or "instruction" in casual settings. Remember to avoid overusing "command" in informal contexts to maintain a natural and effective communication style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

order

A direct synonym, implying an authoritative instruction.

directive

Suggests a formal instruction, often from a superior.

instruction

A more general term for guidance or orders.

decree

An official order issued by a legal authority.

dictate

Suggests absolute authority and control.

rule

A principle or instruction governing conduct or action.

govern

To control or influence the actions or behavior of something.

dominate

To have a controlling influence over someone or something.

mastery

Comprehensive knowledge or skill in a subject or accomplishment.

control

The power to influence or direct people's behavior or the course of events.

FAQs

How to use "command" in a sentence?

You can use "command" to refer to an order or to indicate control or authority. For example, "The general issued a command" or "She has a good command of the English language".

What can I say instead of "command"?

You can use alternatives like "order", "directive", or "instruction" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "command" or "commanding"?

"Command" is a noun or a verb, while "commanding" is the present participle or gerund form of the verb. Use "command" when referring to the act of ordering or having control, and "commanding" when describing someone or something that is giving commands or exerting control.

What's the difference between "command" and "control"?

"Command" often implies a direct order or authoritative instruction, while "control" suggests a broader ability to influence or manage something. One can have "control" without necessarily issuing a "command".