failure to command

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "failure to command" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing a lack of authority, control, or ability to direct a situation or group. Example: "The team's failure to command respect from their peers ultimately led to their downfall."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The palpable failure to command consumer confidence on the part of successive complaints organisations run by the Law Society resulted in parliament using the Legal Services Act to set up the Legal Ombudsman, an independent, statutory complaints scheme, which opened for business in October 2010.

The Guardian

Even so, Dr Williams was accused of a failure to lead, that is a failure to command, cajole and coerce Anglicans.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

He was at last dismissed from command because of his failure to control his troops at the Battle of Vitoria (June 1813).

Encyclopedia Britannica

However, students of raw and powerful leadership have been given the material for a masters degree in Smith's reaction to his team's failure to take command of the series when faced with the resistance of No 11 Graham Onions in the first and third Tests.

Independent

This slight against Carleton, combined with Carleton's failure to get command of the expedition, led to his resignation later in 1777, and to his refusal to supply troops from the Quebec regiments to garrison the forts at Crown Point and Ticonderoga after they were captured.

Wikipedia

For example, Bennett M. Epstein, a lawyer for Officer Sean Carroll, dwelt at length in his opening statement on what he called the suspicious behavior of Mr. Diallo and his failure to obey commands or orders from the officers.

The New York Times

Günter Kuhnke proceeded to command.

Wikipedia

Go back to command prompt.

WikiHow

It also cited "damage to the gate, the danger of running over one of the peacekeepers, speeding through barriers, failure to obey the command to pull over even after warning shots in the air," according to the Itar-Tass news service.

The New York Times

He and his wife, Faulkner Fox, also a professor at the university, are appealing an initial ruling that found them guilty of second-degree trespassing, failure to disperse on command and violating legislative building rules when they sang inside the legislative building's rotunda.

Huffington Post

Ianthe and Angelo are lovers, and their failure to do as Nesace commanded results in God not allowing them into heaven.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing organizational structure, clearly define the scope of "failure to command". For example, specify if it refers to strategic, operational, or tactical command.

Common error

Avoid using "failure to command" as a blanket statement. Instead, provide specific examples of what actions or decisions led to the failure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failure to command" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a state or condition of lacking the ability to effectively lead or control. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "failure to command" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a lack of effective leadership or control. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Though relatively rare, it appears across various contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias and wiki articles. When using this phrase, it's important to be specific about the context and consequences of the failure. Related phrases include "inability to lead" and "breakdown in control", offering nuanced alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inability to lead

Focuses on the lack of leadership skills rather than the act of commanding.

lack of authority

Emphasizes the absence of power or right to give orders.

breakdown in control

Highlights a loss of existing control, implying a previously controlled situation.

loss of command

Suggests a situation where someone previously in charge is no longer so.

failure to govern

Broader term implying inability to manage or direct a group or system effectively.

leadership vacuum

Highlights the absence of effective leadership and direction.

lack of direction

Focuses on the absence of clear guidance or purpose.

inability to direct

Emphasizes the lack of skill in guiding or managing a situation.

failure to manage

Highlights the inability to handle or control a situation or group effectively.

collapse of leadership

Suggests a severe breakdown in leadership, leading to chaos or disarray.

FAQs

What does "failure to command" mean?

The phrase "failure to command" generally refers to an inability or lack of success in exercising authority, control, or leadership within a specific context. This could involve a "lack of authority" or "inability to lead".

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

You can use "failure to command" to describe situations where someone in a leadership position does not effectively exert their authority. For example, "The general's failure to command his troops resulted in a disastrous defeat".

What are some alternatives to "failure to command"?

Alternatives to "failure to command" include phrases like ""inability to lead"", ""lack of authority"", or "breakdown in control", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "failure to command" formal or informal language?

"Failure to command" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts, often appearing in news reports, academic papers, and professional communications. Its formality depends on the surrounding vocabulary and overall tone of the writing.