first command

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first command" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the initial instruction or directive given in a sequence of commands or tasks. Example: "The first command in the program initializes the system settings before proceeding with the rest of the operations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

He was appointed as the commander of the First Army at Fort Jay, New York, his first command since 1918.

Wikipedia

The commanding officer at the time was Lieutenant Commander David Brazier, who was in his first command.

Wikipedia

I waited for Marion Frost's first command.

The New York Times - Magazine

He was given his first command in 2006.

The New Yorker

"It was my first command," Allen told me.

The New Yorker

Her thumb is poised to send the first command.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

The CLI uses the first command-line argument to find the desired module class.

Bioinformatics

For example, if you are in an interpreter, let "import neuron" be your *very first* command.

Yale University

First Command says its dropout rates are much lower, for insurance and investments.

The New York Times

Blair rose quickly through the ranks, and he received his first command the guided missile destroyer USS Cochrane in 1984.

Encyclopedia Britannica

First Command and the fund companies that sell the plans fully disclose those first-year fees.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "first command" to highlight a critical initial step in a process, emphasizing its importance for subsequent actions.

Common error

Avoid using "first command" when referring to a general principle or guideline. Reserve it for specific, sequential instructions or orders. For instance, instead of saying, "The first command of leadership is integrity," consider "The primary principle of leadership is integrity."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first command" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It identifies the initial instruction, order, or directive within a sequence of commands. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

28%

Wiki

23%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Science

18%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "first command" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase that refers to the initial instruction or directive in a sequence. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is applicable across various contexts, from military settings to software programming. When employing this phrase, clarity is key; ensure the scope and sequence of commands are evident to your audience. While alternatives like "initial directive" and "primary instruction" exist, "first command" often implies both sequence and importance. Avoid using it for general principles to maintain its precise meaning. With its frequent appearance in News & Media, Wiki, Academia, and Science, mastering its usage is crucial for effective communication across numerous fields.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initial directive

Slight change in word order while maintaining the same core meaning.

first directive

Direct synonym using "directive" instead of "command".

initial order

Focuses on the sequential aspect, highlighting the starting point in a series of instructions.

starting command

Emphasizes the act of beginning an action or operation.

opening command

Simple variation stressing the action of opening or starting something.

inaugural command

Formal alternative emphasizing the initiation or commencement of authority or control.

preliminary order

Alternative emphasizing the preparatory aspect of the command.

maiden command

Highlights the newness or first-time nature of the command.

primary instruction

Shifts the focus from control to teaching or guiding, using "instruction" instead of command.

leading directive

Highlights the guiding or directing aspect of the command.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "first command"?

You can use alternatives like "initial directive", "primary instruction", or "leading directive" depending on the specific context.

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

You might say, "The "first command" in the setup process is to install the necessary software" or "His "first command" as captain was to secure the perimeter."

Is there a difference between "first command" and "initial command"?

While both phrases are similar, "initial command" often refers to the starting command in any sequence, whereas "first command" can emphasize importance or priority in addition to sequence.

When should I use "first command" instead of "primary command"?

"First command" is best when referring to a sequential order of instructions. "Primary command" is better suited when highlighting the most important or significant command, regardless of sequence.