had a good command of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "had a good command of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's proficiency or skill in a particular subject or language. Example: "She had a good command of the French language, which helped her during her studies in Paris."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"He had a good command of his instrument.

The New York Times

He had a good command of his box on set pieces and against the cross.

Independent

Mr. Meskini, who came to the United States from Algeria in 1995, had a good command of the English language, as well as American slang, Detective Corrigan said.

The New York Times

He had a good command of English to offer, but his real reason for seeking the job was the opportunity it may give him to get to Timbuktu quickly and find the man he called his real father.

Independent

He had a good command of English, and he studied in Cardiff, Wales, for nine months in 1971, then made four or five trips each to the United States and Britain in the late 1970s.

The New York Times

Because he had a good command of French, he worked for the Ministry of Education in the translation office for two years and later translated the works of several major French poets and playwrights.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

He has a good command of English and is keen to demonstrate it.

The Guardian

Winners also need to be resilient, have a good command of the facts and be good in a crisis.

The Guardian - Books

Diplomats, tour guides, stylists, supermodels, and so on may be relied on to have a good command of our language.

The New Yorker

The teacher, Achmad Tontowi, has a good command of grammar and written Chinese but struggles with pronunciation.

The New York Times

"It's not a simple exam," says Kanneganti. "You have to have a good command of English".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing language skills, use "had a good command of" to indicate a solid understanding and ability to use the language effectively in both written and spoken forms. For example, "She had a good command of Spanish, allowing her to communicate easily with locals during her travels."

Common error

Avoid using "had a good command of" when the person's skill level is basic or limited. This phrase implies a level of fluency and competence that might be misleading. Use more appropriate phrases like "had a basic understanding of" or "was familiar with" for lower proficiency levels.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "had a good command of" functions as a descriptive phrase, indicating a person's proficiency or expertise in a particular skill or subject. Ludwig shows this usage is common across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

27%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "had a good command of" is a versatile phrase to describe proficiency, commonly used across diverse contexts from news to science. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently employed to indicate a strong level of skill or knowledge. While generally neutral, considering more formal alternatives like "possessed a strong understanding of" can further refine your writing. Avoiding overstatement and tailoring the phrase to accurately reflect skill levels ensures clear and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

had a firm grasp of

Similar in meaning, but "grasp" implies a more intuitive understanding.

was proficient in

Offers a direct and concise way to state someone's competence in a particular area.

was skilled in

Focuses on the skill aspect, suitable when highlighting practical abilities.

possessed a strong understanding of

Replaces "had a good command of" with a more formal tone, emphasizing understanding rather than active control.

was adept at

Highlights natural talent and quickness in learning or performing.

was well-versed in

Emphasizes knowledge gained through study or experience.

had mastery over

Implies a very high level of control and expertise.

demonstrated expertise in

Suggests a higher level of skill and experience than "had a good command of".

excelled at

Indicates a superior level of performance, going beyond mere competence.

knew inside and out

An informal way to express thorough knowledge and familiarity.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "had a good command of"?

Alternatives include "was proficient in", "had a firm grasp of", or "demonstrated expertise in", depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "had a good command of" in a formal setting?

Yes, "had a good command of" is suitable for formal settings. However, for even more formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "possessed a strong understanding of" or "was well-versed in".

What's the difference between "had a good command of" and "was fluent in"?

"Had a good command of" indicates a strong understanding and practical ability, while "was fluent in" implies near-native proficiency with effortless communication. Fluency suggests a higher level of mastery than simply having a good command.

Can "had a good command of" be used for skills other than language?

While commonly used for language proficiency, "had a good command of" can also describe expertise in other areas requiring knowledge and control. For instance, one might say someone "had a good command of the facts" related to a specific subject.