command them to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "command them to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when instructing someone to give orders or directives to others. Example: "The manager will command them to complete the project by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

But disappointingly, there's no Matilda effect – they don't move rooms when my eyes command them to.

Independent

It is always the British who command them to do bad things".

The Guardian - Travel

When he is filmed from above, twisting in the wind with a yawning gap below, some viewers' stomachs may command them to avert their eyes.

The New York Times

As many as one-third of people with schizophrenia attempt suicide; as many as one-fifth hear voices that command them to do so.

The New York Times - Magazine

I can command them to retweet certain topics (like chocolate or Ebola), favorite a tweet or follow anyone who follows them.

The New York Times

Patrons of the 21st century are far less politically motivated than the Medici family and their ilk, and they generally don't house artists in their lavish estates or command them to paint frescoes.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

(Their god commands them to destroy the pagan human race).

The New York Times - Arts

"Their faith commands them to do these things," he said, last December.

The New Yorker

Eventually a new set of subpoenas were served commanding them to appear in person along with their papers on Jan . 14 , 1969

The New Yorker

The wild things—a colony of monsters try to frighten Max, but, frowning fiercely, he commands them to be still.

The New Yorker

This week he's got a pep talk to teachers and students, commanding them to "look for the awesome".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "command them to", ensure the context clearly establishes the speaker's authority or right to give orders. Clarity prevents confusion about who holds the power to instruct.

Common error

Avoid using "command them to" in situations where the speaker lacks genuine authority. This can come off as arrogant or inappropriate, damaging relationships with colleagues and staff.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "command them to" functions as a directive verb phrase. It indicates that someone is giving an order or instruction to a group, compelling them to perform a specific action. The Ludwig examples illustrate this usage across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

17%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Science

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "command them to" is a directive verb phrase used to convey the act of giving an authoritative order or instruction. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. It is commonly found in news, academic, and wiki contexts. When using "command them to", clarity is essential to establish the speaker's authority. Alternatives include "order them to", "direct them to", and "instruct them to". Remember that misusing authority can undermine effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

order them to

A direct synonym, implying authority and a clear directive.

direct them to

Less forceful than "order", suggesting guidance or management.

instruct them to

Implies teaching or informing them on how to do something.

tell them to

A simple and informal way to express giving an instruction.

require them to

Emphasizes obligation or necessity in performing the action.

enjoin them to

A more formal and legalistic term for ordering or directing.

task them with

Focuses on assigning responsibility for a specific task.

charge them with

Similar to "task", often used in formal or official contexts.

assign them to

Highlights the assignment of individuals to a particular action or duty.

authorize them to

Implies giving official permission or power to act.

FAQs

What does "command them to" mean?

The phrase "command them to" means to give an authoritative instruction or order to a group of people, directing them to perform a specific action.

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

You can use "command them to" when someone in a position of authority gives an order to a group. For example: The general will "command them to" advance at dawn.

What are some alternatives to "command them to"?

Some alternatives to "command them to" include "order them to", "direct them to", or "instruct them to", depending on the level of authority and the specific context.

Is "command them to" formal or informal?

"Command them to" is generally considered a neutral to formal phrase. More informal options include "tell them to".