command me to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "command me to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when requesting someone to give you a specific order or instruction. Example: "If you wish to proceed, you must command me to follow your lead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

My mother liked to command me to do things I found scary.

The New Yorker

I was in torment, and I would pray for hours on end, asking God why He would command me to love Him so deeply and at the same time just go and create Jimmy's snug little soccer shorts.

The New Yorker

Later the whipsawed aide would affirm the truth of what he wrote at the time, but nervously added language pleasing to White House lawyers: "She did not command me to fire them".

The New York Times

That much, I reckon, only Zeus Knows, and all the gods; but you, you should not Think these thoughts, Just send me along, and command me To offer many prayers to Queen Hera That Charaxus should arrive here, with His ship intact, And find us safe.

The Guardian - Books

Another reason I object to the policy is because it pretty much requires me to talk to my pre-teen not just about sex (fine, although who's Alan Johnson, the health secretary, to command me to?) but also about cervical cancer - a fairly rare disease, especially if you use a condom, and easily treated if caught early through regular smears.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Every time the sergeant would command me to do something that didn't seem too appealing I would pretend I didn't understand.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

He commands me to sell".

The Economist

She commanded me to taste the simmering sauce.

The New York Times - Travel

They would discuss me amongst themselves, taunt me, and eventually, start commanding me to harm myself.

The Guardian - Tech

She wrote her phone number and commanded me to call her.

The New York Times - Food

He commanded me to "drop the weapon" and told Andre to exit the car.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "command me to" when you want to express a willingness to follow someone's orders, typically someone in a position of authority or someone you respect.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "command me to" can sound overly formal or even archaic in many contemporary situations. Consider whether a more direct or modern phrasing like "tell me what to do" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "command me to" functions as a request for instruction or order. It indicates a willingness or obligation to follow someone's directives. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound but can feel quite formal.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "command me to" is a grammatically correct way of requesting instructions or indicating a willingness to obey, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. While its usage is relatively uncommon in contemporary settings, it conveys a formal tone and often implies a hierarchical relationship. It appears most frequently in News & Media sources, with some occurrences in Science and academic writing. When writing, consider whether a more direct or modern phrasing would be more appropriate, as overuse of "command me to" can sound overly formal or archaic. Alternatives such as "tell me what to do" or "let me know what to do" might be more suitable for everyday conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tell me what to do

More informal and direct; implies a request for guidance or instructions.

give me your orders

Emphasizes a hierarchical relationship where one party is expected to follow commands.

what do you want me to do

A direct question seeking instructions or tasks to complete.

let me know your will

Suggests a more formal or respectful tone, often used in religious or ceremonial contexts.

direct my actions

Implies seeking guidance to align one's behavior or decisions with another's preferences.

issue your commands to me

More formal and emphasizes a power dynamic; suitable for historical or dramatic settings.

guide my hand

Suggests assistance in a task or decision where the other party has expertise.

lay your instructions upon me

Suggests a formal or somewhat burdened acceptance of responsibility.

enjoin me to

A formal and somewhat archaic way of requesting an action or behavior.

charge me with

Implies entrusting someone with a duty or responsibility.

FAQs

How can I use "command me to" in a sentence?

You can use "command me to" to express a willingness to obey someone's orders. For example, "If my superior officer deems it necessary, they can "order me to" carry out the mission."

What does "command me to" imply about the relationship between people?

The phrase "command me to" often implies a hierarchical relationship, such as between a superior and subordinate, or a leader and follower. It suggests the speaker is willing to submit to the authority of the other person.

Are there more modern alternatives to "command me to"?

Yes, depending on the context, you could use phrases like "tell me what to do", "let me know what to do", or simply "what should I do". These options are generally less formal and more commonly used in everyday conversation.

Is "command me to" appropriate for business writing?

While not inherently incorrect, "command me to" might sound overly formal for most business contexts. Unless you're deliberately trying to create a deferential or historical tone, it's often better to use more direct and contemporary language.