command of the material

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "command of the material" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's mastery or thorough understanding of a subject or content. Example: "Her command of the material was evident during the presentation, as she answered every question with confidence and clarity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

This is hardly necessary: his command of the material amply demonstrates that he knows what he's talking about.

The New York Times - Books

Into Thomas' audition room blows a street smart actor who displays an uncanny command of the material.

The Guardian

In a D comprehensive exam, the student demonstrates serious deficiencies or severe flaws in the command of the material.

Princeton University

Ms. Vinton and Mr. McDonald, acting all four parts and in complete command of the material, are convincingly cold and sick at heart.

The New York Times

With a solid command of the material, she felt at the top of her game and was relieved that she'd spent so much time practicing and preparing for this meeting.

Harvard Business Review

Sometimes it seems that for all of Steiner's vaunted erudition, he is so intellectually ambitious that he frequently feels insecure about his command of the material under review, and so overcompensates with a flustered stream of cultural name-dropping.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Here, he returns to the issue of large-scale ethnic violence in Africa, demonstrating an impressive command of the historical material to contrast the cases of Rwanda and Sudan, where genocides took place, with three cases in which ethnic conflict did not reach that point (Côte d'Ivoire, Mali, and Senegal).

Cornell University

Eastwood's command of this material makes most directors look like beginners.

The New Yorker

The point of his quip was that while we've found ever more clever ways of pushing around bits of information, we are still living in a material world — and our command of that material world has advanced much less than most people expected a few decades ago.

The New York Times

D+, D, and D–: Earned by work that is unsatisfactory but that indicates some minimal command of the course materials and some minimal participation in class activities that is worthy of course credit.

Harvard University

She has a better command of the stage and material than humans three times her age. .

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's expertise, pair "command of the material" with specific examples to illustrate their depth of knowledge.

Common error

Avoid using "command of the material" in casual conversation; opt for simpler phrases like "understanding" or "knowledge" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "command of the material" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. Ludwig shows that it describes a person's expertise or mastery in a specific subject area.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "command of the material" signifies a strong understanding and mastery of a particular subject or content. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, academia, and formal settings. While synonyms like "mastery of the subject matter" and "thorough understanding of the content" offer similar meanings, the specific choice depends on the desired nuance. To use it effectively, demonstrate expertise with concrete examples and avoid overuse in casual settings. Ludwig's examples emphasize its formal nature, suggesting more appropriate alternatives for informal conversations. The phrase is common, signaling good authority for both academic writing and journalism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mastery of the subject matter

Focuses on the comprehensive understanding and skill in a particular subject.

thorough understanding of the content

Emphasizes a deep and complete comprehension of the material.

firm grasp of the subject

Highlights a solid and secure understanding of the topic.

proficiency in the field

Indicates a high degree of competence and skill in a particular area.

expertise in the area

Suggests specialized knowledge and skill in a specific domain.

knowledge of the facts

Focuses on familiarity with details and information.

competence in the domain

Highlights the ability to perform effectively in a specific area of knowledge.

familiarity with the content

Implies a general awareness and understanding of the material.

awareness of the subject

Suggests a basic understanding and recognition of the topic.

acquaintance with the material

Indicates a casual or superficial understanding of the content.

FAQs

How can I demonstrate my "command of the material" in a presentation?

Show your "command of the material" by confidently addressing questions, providing detailed explanations, and referencing supporting evidence. Using precise terminology and illustrating complex concepts clearly also helps. Avoid "lack of clarity".

What's the difference between "command of the material" and "familiarity with the material"?

"Command of the material" implies a deep, comprehensive understanding and mastery. "Familiarity with the material", on the other hand, suggests a basic acquaintance or surface-level knowledge. For instance, being "familiar with the plot" of a novel differs greatly from having a command of its themes and literary techniques.

Which is correct, "command of the material" or "command on the material"?

"Command of the material" is the correct and idiomatic phrasing. The preposition "of" indicates possession or control, whereas "on" is not typically used in this context to denote expertise. Using "command on the material" is considered "grammatically incorrect".

What are some synonyms for "command of the material" that I can use in my writing?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms such as "mastery of the subject matter", "thorough understanding of the content", or "firm grasp of the subject". Each alternative emphasizes a slightly different nuance of knowledge and expertise. Using "familiarity with the content" could imply a lesser degree of expertise.