following a command

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "following a command" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing actions taken as a result of receiving instructions or directives. Example: "The robot is programmed to execute tasks following a command from the user."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Moore died in an airplane crash in Copenhagen following a command performance there.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It makes people think, then apply it in a very personal way -- not just blindly following a command -- and take action on their own, with their own thoughts fused with it.

Huffington Post

The ladder itself has 37 rungs on each side, and each rung can be displaced vertically following a command from the control system.

Brain Structure and Function

These instruments (RSS, RASS, ATICE, and MSAT) rely upon noting a simple response (movement, eye opening, or following a command such as 'look at me') spontaneously or responses to simple cues (speaking to the patient or physically stimulating the patient) that proceed in a logical progression reflecting progressively deeper sedation [ 42].

Critical Care

For example, if your Rottweiler does something you like, such as following a command, it's important to reward him immediately so he understands that this is the type of behavior you like.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

This delay presents an important challenge for BCI systems using hemodynamic signals: it would be prohibitively inconvenient to wait >6s following a mental command for a BCI to respond.

Plosone

The onset time is based on the first detectable movement of the participant following a "Go!" command from the observer.

BMC Geriatrics

If conflicts arose, for instance, the peasants, traders or local officials involved would confer with the person above them, following a chain of command that ultimately led to Constantinople.

The New York Times - Books

The mini mental state examination score was 25/30: she could recall all three items after a delay, but lost points on orientation, naming, calculation, and for following a three stage command.

British Medical Journal

Ferdinand recalled Fernández from the viceroyalty of Naples in 1507 but again gave him a command following a French threat after the Battle of Ravenna (1512).

Britannica

Although continuity of services post discharge from acute care and/or rehabilitation following a stroke has commanded attention [ 8], there has not been an equivalent research focus on the needs of those with stroke in nursing homes.

BMC Geriatrics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "following a command", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is issuing the command and who or what is executing it. This avoids ambiguity and ensures clear communication.

Common error

Avoid assuming the audience knows the specifics of the command. Always provide sufficient context to ensure clarity. For example, instead of just stating "The system responded following a command", specify "The system initiated a diagnostic test following a command from the administrator to check system memory".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "following a command" acts as a prepositional phrase, often functioning adverbially to modify a verb by indicating when or how an action occurs. For example, in "Moore died in an airplane crash in Copenhagen following a command performance there", it specifies when the event occurred. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "following a command" is a grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to indicate that an action is a direct result of an instruction. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. While relatively rare in overall frequency, it appears most often in scientific, news, and wiki contexts. To ensure clarity, specify the source of the command. Alternative phrases include "obeying an order" and "complying with instructions", offering nuanced options depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obeying an order

This alternative focuses specifically on orders, implying a direct hierarchical structure and compliance.

complying with instructions

This highlights the act of adhering to specific instructions, emphasizing a step-by-step process.

responding to a directive

Focuses on the action taken after receiving a directive, suggesting a formal or official instruction.

acting on command

Emphasizes the immediacy and directness of the command, suggesting swift action.

under command

This implies a state of being controlled or directed by someone or something else.

in compliance with an order

Formal and emphasizes adherence to established rules or regulations.

adhering to a direction

Highlights the act of sticking to a prescribed course of action or instruction.

at someone's behest

This suggests acting on the request or instruction of someone with authority.

carrying out a command

Focuses on the execution or performance of the command, suggesting a task being completed.

heeding a command

Implies paying attention to and acting upon a command, suggesting careful consideration.

FAQs

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

You can use "following a command" to describe an action that occurs as a direct result of an instruction. For example, "The robot began its sequence "following a command" from the control panel".

What are some alternatives to "following a command"?

Alternatives include "obeying an order", "complying with instructions", or "responding to a directive", depending on the context and desired nuance.

Is it always necessary to specify who issued the command when using "following a command"?

While not always mandatory, specifying the source of the command adds clarity and precision to your writing. It helps avoid ambiguity and ensures the reader understands the chain of events.

What is the difference between "following a command" and "executing a command"?

"Following a command" implies the broader action of adhering to an instruction, while "executing a command" specifically refers to the precise performance of that instruction. The former is a broader term, the latter is related to the technicalities.