commanded him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "commanded him" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where someone gives a direct order or instruction to another person. Example: "The general commanded him to lead the troops into battle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

"Fly!" I commanded him.

The New Yorker

"Johnno!" Chib commanded him.

The New York Times - Magazine

He knew that God commanded him".

The New York Times

Once, while he was in a friend's car, the voice commanded him to get out.

The New Yorker

Martin had commanded him and some other fans to retrieve barbecued smoked brisket tips.

The New Yorker

Earlier, a young woman commanded him to simply take the critiques in stride.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

But they could no longer guide, let alone command, him.

The New Yorker

Unimpressed, his coach commands him to retrieve it.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

— would pull Steve aside and command him to do impressions.

The New Yorker

Pete kidnaps Norton and commands him to disinter Melquiades.

The New Yorker

As he runs, a man's voice commands him to lie down and lower his weapons.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your sentence structure when using "commanded him". Overuse of subject + verb + "commanded him" can make your writing sound monotonous. Try inverting the sentence or using a passive construction.

Common error

Avoid using "commanded him" repeatedly in dialogue-heavy scenes. Direct speech is often more impactful and natural. Instead of "He commanded him, 'Do this!'", simply write "'Do this!' he said sternly".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "commanded him" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of giving an order. It demonstrates a direct instruction from someone in authority to another, implying an expectation of obedience. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, it's typically used in narrative contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Encyclopedias

17%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "commanded him" functions as a verb phrase used to convey an act of giving a direct order or instruction. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, although alternative phrasing may be more appropriate depending on the desired level of formality or nuance. While widely applicable, writers should carefully consider context and audience to avoid overuse or inappropriate tone. Ludwig examples highlights that it is more frequently used in "News & Media".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ordered him

A more direct and common synonym, emphasizing the authority to give the order.

instructed him

Implies a more detailed or educational type of order or guidance.

directed him

Suggests guiding someone towards a specific action or path.

told him to

A simpler, more informal way of expressing the act of giving an instruction.

tasked him with

Focuses on assigning a specific duty or responsibility.

charged him with

Similar to tasked, but may imply a greater level of responsibility or importance.

required him to

Emphasizes the necessity or obligation to perform a certain action.

enjoined him to

A more formal and somewhat archaic way of saying ordered or instructed.

gave him the order to

More verbose, emphasizing the formal nature of the command.

dictated to him that

Implies a strong, potentially overbearing, sense of control or authority.

FAQs

What does "commanded him" mean?

The phrase "commanded him" means someone in a position of authority gave a direct order or instruction to another person. It implies a degree of control and expectation of obedience.

What can I say instead of "commanded him"?

You can use alternatives like "ordered him", "instructed him", or "directed him" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "commanded him" formal or informal?

"Commanded him" is relatively neutral in formality. While not overly informal, phrases like "told him to" can sound more casual, while "enjoined him to" or "directed him to" are more formal.

How to use "commanded him" in a sentence?

You can use "commanded him" in a sentence like, "The general commanded him to advance" or "The voice commanded him to stop". Ensure the subject has the authority to give the command.