exercise command

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exercise command" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means to actively and confidently display authority or control over a situation or group of people. Example: The general was known for his ability to exercise command over his troops, leading them to victory in battle.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

It is a key element of a comprehensive suite of communications systems to provide a robust network that allows commanders to exercise command and control effectively.

The Guardian

During the short, decisive Prussian campaign against Austria in 1866, field telegraph enabled Count Helmuth von Moltke, the Prussian commander, to exercise command over his distant armies.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The commander of the special operations command shall exercise command of a selected special operations mission if directed to do so by the President or the Secretary of Defense.

Cornell University

Perhaps to assuage the Germans, whose deployment needs approval by Parliament, Mr. Straw also said that Britain would "exercise command" over the international force, and that its mission would be distinct from the American operation.

The New York Times

The willingness of these insurgents to turn against AQI resulted from the presumptuous brutality of AQI when these Sunni tribes resisted their efforts to exercise command and control, force marriages and take over illicit economic activities.

The Guardian - Opinion

He describes shouting matches with British generals based in London who, he writes, refused to supply him with the equipment he needed, including a helicopter "to fly around a country that was half the size of Europe so I could properly exercise command".

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Military communication, the transmission of information from reconnaissance and other units in contact with the enemy and the means for exercising command by the transmission of orders and instructions of commanders to their subordinates.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Instead, the core exercises command and control only over strategy and ideology.This is not a particularly recent development.

The Economist

An American official in Washington confirmed that the Kyrgyz government was having "trouble exercising command over the security forces".

The New York Times

When not exercising command of a regiment, group, or equivalent formation, a colonel is generally placed in a senior staff or administrative post.

Britannica

The Joint Chiefs of Staff were formally established as an advisory body by the National Security Act of 1947, and a 1953 amendment to that act prohibited the body from exercising command authority.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about leadership or military strategy, use "exercise command" to convey the practical application of authority in directing operations and personnel. It emphasizes active control and decision-making in real-time situations.

Common error

Avoid phrasing sentences in a way that obscures who is exercising command. Instead of "Command was exercised by..." use the active voice: "The commander exercised command effectively."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exercise command" functions as a verb phrase describing the action of exerting authority or control. Ludwig indicates it is correct and suitable for use in written English. It is typically used to describe how a leader or commander actively manages a situation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Wiki

30%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exercise command" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the act of actively exerting authority or control. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples demonstrating its usage across various contexts. While not exceedingly common, it finds frequent application in news, academic, and wiki-based content. To employ the phrase effectively, focus on using the active voice and avoid passive constructions. Consider alternatives such as "exert authority" or "take charge" to vary your language while maintaining clarity. Remember that while "have command" indicates possession of authority, "exercise command" emphasizes the active application of that authority.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exert authority

Emphasizes the act of applying one's power or right to control.

wield control

Highlights the ability to handle and use power effectively.

take charge

Focuses on assuming responsibility and control of a situation.

assume command

Indicates the act of taking on the role of leader or commander.

maintain control

Stresses the effort to keep a firm grip on a situation or group.

exert influence

Highlights the ability to affect decisions or actions through one's position.

take the reins

Emphasizes assuming control, like guiding a horse with reins.

hold sway

Suggests having considerable influence or power over others.

be in control

States the condition of having authority and direction over something.

call the shots

Implies the power to make important decisions and give orders.

FAQs

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

You can use "exercise command" to describe the act of a leader or commander actively using their authority and control in a given situation. For instance, "The general had to "exercise command" during the battle to ensure victory".

What are some alternatives to "exercise command"?

Some alternatives to "exercise command" include "exert authority", "wield control", or "take charge", each with slightly different connotations.

Is it better to say "exercise command" or "have command"?

"Exercise command" implies the active use of authority, whereas "have command" simply indicates possession of authority. The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the action or the position.

What's the difference between "exercise command" and "command and control"?

"Exercise command" refers to the act of leading and directing, while "command and control" refers to the system and procedures used to manage and coordinate operations. The former is an action, and the latter is a system.