greater command of the

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "greater command of the" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's proficiency or mastery over a particular subject or skill. Example: "Her greater command of the language allowed her to communicate effectively with native speakers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

My concern is that he went backward this year – his third – and this should be when he was improving and taking greater command of the offense.

The New York Times

He had, however, a far greater command of the cliche than the former prime minister, and he marked the economic debate with phrases such as "rolling back the frontiers of the state", "home-owning democracy", "large and progressive cuts in public spending", and "a society where effort and initiative are rewarded".

The Guardian

If you paid attention to the content, and used it as a gauge to determine which candidate was better prepared, was more knowledgeable, had a greater command of the facts and grasp of the issues, then Vice President Gore won easily.

The New York Times

Fielding her long critique of specific points in his brief, Mr Wyrick responded with a greater command of the medical details, correcting her misinterpretations ("respectfully, you have that backwards") and picking apart the studies on which the petitioners' expert witness relied.

The Economist

In most cases, questioners have shown greater command of the technical substance of these proposals than many who have voted for the legislation.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

This involved his own specially made "light brushes" that allow him to create the intricate patterns and give him a much greater command of where the light goes, while operating the camera remotely.

Vice

"Tremendous insight, a tremendous knowledge of personnel, a great command of the intricacies of the game from a strategic standpoint".

The New York Times

He was throwing so well, with such great command of the knuckleball, I thought this might be something special today".

The New York Times - Sports

Every decision Markovits makes - and he sets himself difficult ones - shows great command of the fictional art, deep personal feeling and consideration.

The Guardian - Books

But he always had such great command of the situation, no fussing about, always so direct," writes Grace Coddington, then a fashion editor at British Vogue, in her foreword.

The Guardian - Books

And then there are things where the craftsmanship is very high, where someone has great command of the techniques of building things in Second Life, but they have no conceptual depth.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "greater command of the", ensure that the noun following "of" is specific and clearly defined. This provides clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "greater command of the" if the context only implies basic knowledge or a superficial understanding. Reserve it for situations where genuine expertise or control is evident.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "greater command of the" functions as a noun phrase acting as the object of a verb or preposition, indicating an enhanced level of expertise or control over something specific. The word "greater" specifies that this command is superior compared to a previous state or another person's command.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "greater command of the" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe an enhanced level of proficiency or control. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts, indicating a formal or neutral register. As Ludwig AI pointed out, the phrase is appropriate when describing a distinct improvement in skill or knowledge. While not exceedingly common, using "greater command of the" effectively can add precision to your writing when detailing someone's expertise.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more comprehensive command of

Replaces "greater" with "more comprehensive", emphasizing thoroughness.

heightened mastery of

Similar to "greater command", but uses "mastery" which suggests a higher level of skill.

advanced control over

Highlights the advanced level of control achieved.

enhanced proficiency in

Focuses on improved skill level rather than direct control or authority.

improved grasp of

Highlights improved understanding, but less about direct control.

deeper understanding of

Emphasizes comprehension and knowledge instead of control.

broader expertise in

Highlights the breadth of knowledge and skill in a specific area.

superior knowledge of

Focuses on the extent of knowledge, not necessarily the ability to control.

increased authority over

Shifts the focus from skill to direct power or control.

stronger influence on

Emphasizes the power to affect or change something.

FAQs

How can I use "greater command of the" in a sentence?

Use "greater command of the" to describe someone's enhanced ability or expertise in a particular subject or skill. For example, "Her greater command of the English language allowed her to excel in international communications".

What are some alternatives to "greater command of the"?

You can use alternatives like "enhanced proficiency in", "deeper understanding of", or "heightened mastery of" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "greater command of the" or "great command of the"?

"Greater command of the" implies a comparative improvement in skill or expertise, while "great command of the" simply indicates a high level of proficiency. Choose the phrase that best reflects the intended meaning.

In what contexts is "greater command of the" most appropriate?

This phrase is suitable in formal settings like academic papers, professional reports, and news articles where a precise description of someone's skills or abilities is required.