has a strong command of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has a strong command of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's proficiency or expertise in a particular subject or skill. Example: "She has a strong command of the Spanish language, which allows her to communicate effectively with native speakers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

He has a strong command of detail and a sense of humor, albeit a sardonic one.

The New York Times

If you think Clinton is smart and has a strong command of the issues but you think Trump is a BS artist who routinely lies, when they clash over facts in the debate, who are you going to believe?

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Among a wider sample of registered voters, which included fewer voters who identified themselves as Republicans, Mr. Obama has a stronger command of the race.

The New York Times

Among the wider spectrum of registered voters in this poll after the Democratic National Convention last week, Mr. Obama has a stronger command of the race.

The New York Times

Editors must have a strong command of English grammar, syntax and mechanics to edit the work of others clearly, confidently and correctly.

University of California, Berkeley

'He doesn't have a strong command of the English language when he calls me a plod,' he said of Healey's outburst.

The Guardian - Sport

Darius Charney of the Center for Constitutional Rights, one of the lawyers for the plaintiffs in the case against the city, welcomed the judge's decision, saying that Mr. Bloomberg had a strong command of the case.

The New York Times

Critics of the tighter admissions policies expressed concerns that CUNY would now be turning away those students who needed its help the most, including many poorly educated minority and immigrant applicants who did not yet have a strong command of English.

The New York Times

It was based on the assumption that most 5-year-olds have a strong command of their native language and that reading starts by matching the language in their heads with graphemes on the printed page (or screen).

International Journal of STEM Education

If you have a strong command of Chinese you may encounter vendors saying, "Because you speak such good Chinese you are my friend -- so I will give you a friends price!" This price is still too high.

WikiHow

Today Mr. Graham said that Mr. Gore had offered a detailed health care plan and that Mr. Bush had not, and he drew sly attention to a perceived Bush weakness by suggesting that Mr. Gore had a stronger command of policy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has a strong command of" when you want to emphasize someone's comprehensive knowledge and skill in a specific area. Ensure the context clearly indicates the subject or skill being mastered.

Common error

While appropriate in many situations, consider using more nuanced alternatives like "demonstrates expertise in" or "is highly proficient in" if you want to avoid sounding repetitive or overly simplistic in formal writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has a strong command of" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun (typically a person) to indicate their high level of skill, knowledge, or control over a specific subject or ability. As Ludwig AI shows, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has a strong command of" is a grammatically correct and commonly used way to describe someone's proficiency or expertise in a particular field. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, including news, academia, and professional settings. While alternatives like "possesses a firm grasp of" or "demonstrates expertise in" may offer nuanced variations, the core meaning remains consistent. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly identifies the subject or skill in question. Remember to consider more stylistic alternatives in formal contexts to avoid repetition. With its widespread usage and clear meaning, mastering the application of "has a strong command of" will undoubtedly enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

possesses a firm grasp of

Replaces "has" with "possesses" and "strong command" with "firm grasp", emphasizing possession of knowledge.

demonstrates expertise in

Shifts from command to expertise, highlighting demonstrated skill.

exhibits proficiency in

Focuses on proficiency as the key attribute.

is highly skilled at

Uses a more direct and active voice, emphasizing skill level.

is adept at

Highlights the person's natural ability or talent.

is proficient in

Similar to exhibiting proficiency, but more concise.

has a thorough understanding of

Focuses on understanding rather than command, suggesting deep knowledge.

is well-versed in

Indicates extensive knowledge and experience.

excels at

Emphasizes exceptional performance and skill.

is masterful in

Implies a high level of skill and control, suggesting mastery.

FAQs

How can I use "has a strong command of" in a sentence?

Use "has a strong command of" to describe someone's proficiency or expertise in a particular subject or skill. For example, "She "has a strong command of" the English language".

What are some alternatives to "has a strong command of"?

You can use alternatives like "possesses a firm grasp of", "demonstrates expertise in", or "exhibits proficiency in" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "has a strong command of" or "has a good command of"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but ""has a strong command of"" implies a higher level of proficiency than "has a good command of".

What's the difference between "has a strong command of" and "is proficient in"?

"Has a strong command of" suggests a comprehensive understanding and control, while "is proficient in" simply indicates competence and skill in a particular area.