complete command of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complete command of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has full mastery or control over a particular skill or subject. Example: "She has a complete command of the Spanish language, allowing her to communicate fluently with native speakers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He took complete command of the situation.

The New Yorker

It was his command and Sea Shepherd captains are in complete command of their own ships.

The Guardian

The technique is impeccable, with complete command of the Petrarchan sonnet form and its dramatic timing.

The Guardian - Books

The author "has complete command of his intricate plot," Eden Ross Lipson said here last year.

The New York Times - Books

Yet here she has complete command of the quartet's expressive resources.

The New York Times - Arts

She matters and must be heard, says an author in complete command of her own voice.

The New York Times - Books

In the end, the only thing she lost complete command of was her balance.

The New York Times - Sports

By the close of 2014, the SNP found itself in complete command of Scotland's political narrative.

The Guardian

When he does show up once more, aged and weathered, he takes immediate and complete command of the action.

The New Yorker

"There's no question that he's in complete command of his subject," one student wrote in a critique.

The New York Times

Betty Allen and Justino Diaz used their big voices ef fectively, if without complete command of the coloratura.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "complete command of" to highlight someone's exceptional skill, knowledge, or control in a specific domain. For example, "She demonstrates a complete command of data analysis, making her an invaluable asset to the team."

Common error

While "complete command of" is versatile, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing where more nuanced expressions might be more appropriate. Alternatives like "thorough understanding of" or "mastery of" may sometimes provide a more refined tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "complete command of" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to describe a person's expertise, skill, or control over a specific area, subject, or activity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Arts

20%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "complete command of" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that denotes a high degree of skill, knowledge, or control over a particular subject or area. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, as well as discussions related to the arts and encyclopedic information. Alternatives include "full mastery of" and "thorough grasp of". When writing, use "complete command of" to clearly convey exceptional proficiency, but be mindful of potentially more nuanced phrasing in highly formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

full mastery of

Emphasizes comprehensive expertise and skill in a particular area.

mastery over

Similar to full mastery, emphasizing expertise and control.

thorough grasp of

Highlights a deep understanding and comprehensive knowledge of a subject.

deep understanding of

Focuses on the extent of knowledge and comprehension of a subject.

absolute control over

Focuses on the power and ability to manage or direct something completely.

total command over

Similar to absolute control, emphasizing complete authority and management.

expertise in

Highlights specialized knowledge and skill in a specific field.

proficiency in

Indicates competence and skill in a particular area or task.

adeptness at

Highlights skill and quickness in performing a task.

skill in

A general term for competence and ability in a particular area.

FAQs

How can I use "complete command of" in a sentence?

You can use "complete command of" to describe someone's expertise or mastery in a particular skill or subject. For example, "The conductor has a complete command of the orchestra" or "She showed a complete command of the English language".

What are some alternatives to "complete command of"?

Alternatives include "full mastery of", "thorough grasp of", or "absolute control over" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "complete command on" instead of "complete command of"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "complete command" is "of". Saying "complete command on" is grammatically incorrect. Always use "complete command of".

What does it mean to have a "complete command of" a language?

Having a "complete command of" a language means you have a high level of proficiency, including excellent grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and the ability to understand and communicate effectively in various contexts.