command over

USAGE SUMMARY

"command over" is correct and usable in written English.
It is most commonly used to refer to a person having either control or authority over something. For example: "The general had complete command over the troops."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Himmler was given command over Göring's Gestapo in April 1934.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"He had command over both breaking balls," Girardi said.

The New York Times - Sports

She's a hot mess with absolute command over the room.

The New Yorker

Her command over the restless CDU seems more secure.

The Economist

Giambi believes Williams has total command over his average.

The New York Times - Sports

Her photographer, she said, "lacked command over the guests".

The New York Times - Style

"President Arroyo showed she has strong command over the military".

The New York Times

Before taking office, however, he received supreme command over all the eastern provinces.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Trump has had weaker command over Congress throughout his time in office.

The Washington Post

Gov. WATTS has turned the whole command over to Maj.-Gen.

The New York Times

But he has also maintained his authority through repression and his command over the army.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, ensure the context clearly indicates whether "command over" refers to authority, skill, or control to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "command over" when a more specific term like "expertise in" or "authority regarding" would provide greater clarity and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "command over" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase indicating control, authority, or mastery in relation to a subject. Ludwig shows examples ranging from military command to linguistic proficiency.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

20%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "command over" is a versatile phrase used to express authority, control, or mastery. As shown by Ludwig, it's grammatically sound and frequently appears in diverse contexts, from News & Media to Academia. While generally neutral in tone, context is important to ensure the scope of "command over" is clear. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "authority over" or "mastery of", depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

authority over

Focuses more on the legitimate power to direct or influence.

control of

Highlights the ability to manage and direct something.

power over

Indicates the ability to effect change or exert control.

mastery of

Emphasizes expertise and skill in a particular area.

leadership over

Highlights the ability to guide and direct a group or organization.

influence over

Implies a subtler form of power affecting decisions or actions.

direction of

Focuses on providing guidance and supervision.

jurisdiction over

Refers to the legal right to apply laws and regulations.

dominion over

Suggests supreme authority or control.

government of

Implies the act of governing a population or area.

FAQs

How can I use "command over" in a sentence?

You can use "command over" to indicate control, authority, or mastery. For example, "The general had complete command over the troops" or "She demonstrated impressive command over the English language".

What are some alternatives to "command over"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "authority over", "control of", or "mastery of".

Is it better to say "command over" or "control over"?

Both phrases are correct, but "command over" often implies a more formal or hierarchical relationship, especially concerning people or resources, while "control over" is more general.

What's the difference between "command over" and "influence over"?

"Command over" suggests direct authority and control, while "influence over" implies a more subtle or indirect effect on decisions or actions.