gain command of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gain command of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to acquiring control, mastery, or understanding of a particular skill, subject, or situation. Example: "To excel in this field, you must gain command of the latest technologies and methodologies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Most closers struggle to gain command of their secondary pitches because they throw relatively few innings and cannot administer proper maintenance.

The New York Times - Sports

Wearing a blue shirt that featured a large golden-tongued, double-tailed lion borrowed from the Czech coat of arms, Stepanek came back from a 4-2 definithen the second set to eventually sweep through a tiebreaker and gain command of the match.

The New York Times

The British use of air power evolved during the war, from a reconnaissance force to a fighting force that attempted to gain command of the air above the trenches and carry out bombing raids on targets behind the line.

Wikipedia

Gain command of your schedule, your environment and your response to problems.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Most recently that has led to Pat Fili-Krushel gaining command of all of NBC's operations in news.

The New York Times

But Roberts gained command of his impressive arsenal, a fastball of 93 to 97 miles an hour and a split-fingered fastball, and after seizing a spot in the Baltimore rotation, he won his first four decisions this season.

The New York Times - Sports

"We would leave a certain group behind and they would take the various sections where they have the oil," he said, regarding a policy apparently meant to prevent terror groups such as Islamic State from gaining command of such a vital resource.

The Guardian

Five years after gaining command of Soka Gakkai, he told a Japanese writer: "I am the king of Japan; I am its president; I am the master of its spiritual life; I am the supreme power who entirely directs its intellectual culture".

Forbes

It retained command of the South Korean 3rd Infantry Division and Capital Division, and gained command of the South Korean 9th Infantry Division.

Wikipedia

Thompson depicts Moosally, the ship's captain, as an inept seaman who gained command of the battleship through political connections.

Wikipedia

The book was extremely critical of Moosally, depicting him as an inept seaman who gained command of the battleship through political connections.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "gain command of", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being controlled or mastered. Be specific about the object of control to avoid ambiguity. For example: "gain command of the English language".

Common error

Avoid using "gain command of" when the situation only involves a minor degree of influence or understanding. Reserve this phrase for situations where genuine mastery or substantial control is achieved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gain command of" functions as a verb phrase indicating the acquisition of control or mastery over something. As Ludwig AI states, it describes acquiring control, mastery, or understanding of a particular skill, subject, or situation. The examples show its use in contexts ranging from language acquisition to military strategy.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

40%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "gain command of" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression signifying the acquisition of control, mastery, or understanding. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and appropriate across various contexts. Although the phrase is not exceedingly common, the examples provided by Ludwig showcase its applicability in news, encyclopedias, and on wikis. While synonyms like "take control of", "master", or "achieve mastery of" exist, "gain command of" emphasizes the process and effort involved in achieving expertise. Remember to be specific about what one is gaining command of to avoid ambiguity, and to reserve the phrase for situations involving genuine control or mastery.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take control of

Focuses more on the act of assuming control, often abruptly or decisively.

master

Emphasizes achieving a high level of skill or knowledge.

achieve mastery of

Similar to "master", but more formal and highlights the process of achieving mastery.

acquire control over

Highlights the process of obtaining control.

get a handle on

More informal, suggesting gaining understanding and control of a situation or task.

dominate

Implies a stronger, more forceful control.

become proficient in

Focuses on developing competence and skill.

get the upper hand

Suggests gaining an advantage or control in a competitive situation.

seize control of

Emphasizes a forceful or opportunistic taking of control.

exert control over

Focuses on the active exercise of control.

FAQs

What does "gain command of" mean?

The phrase "gain command of" means to acquire control, mastery, or a comprehensive understanding of something, such as a skill, subject, or situation.

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

You can use "gain command of" to describe the process of learning and mastering a new skill. For example, "To excel in programming, you must "gain command of" various coding languages and algorithms."

Are there any synonyms for "gain command of"?

Yes, alternatives to "gain command of" include "master", "take control of", "achieve mastery of", or "acquire control over".

Is it better to say "gain control of" or "gain command of"?

Both "gain control of" and "gain command of" are correct, but "gain command of" often implies a deeper level of understanding and expertise, while "gain control of" may simply refer to assuming authority or influence.