have a complete command of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have a complete command of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a high level of proficiency or mastery in a particular subject or skill. Example: "To excel in this field, you must have a complete command of the relevant theories and practices."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He was liked, he was a floor leader, he was an effective debater, and he had a complete command of the process".

The New York Times

It's very rare to find someone whose first language isn't English, yet who has such a complete command of the nuances and subtleties of the English language.

The Guardian - Film

He was fair in all of his rulings and he demonstrated a complete command of the law.

The New York Times

In scientific workflows it is important to have a complete track record of what has been executed, including the command name, parameter values and execution times.

Journal of Cheminformatics

He or she must have complete command of the applicable substantive law and must be a skilled advisor, negotiator, and draftsperson.

Forbes

"The biggest difference from last year is that I don't feel I have complete command of all my pitches," Seo said.

The New York Times - Sports

Furthermore, Mr Bashir's party will have complete command of the security and intelligence apparatus of the country in the run-up to the election.

The Economist

Scott, writing to Markham after his appointment, reiterated that he "must have complete command of the ship and landing parties", and insisted on being consulted over all future appointments.

Wikipedia

Mr Bhalla, who thinks the Reserve Bank has almost complete command of the rupee's rate, reckons that it has fallen enough to keep Indian exports competitive.

The Economist

Rushfield, who writes the "Intelligence Report" column in Vanity Fair and is a partner in Agent X, a trend-spotting company, has complete command of his intricate plot, in which tinsel rises to the top.

The New York Times - Books

Julia Burrer dances a lament, her long arms poignantly and powerfully enshrouding and unwrapping her movements, her dark sweater flowing around her. Burrer is a formidable dancer: she has complete command of her tall and lean body, an ability to attack or surrender in just the right places, in just the right amounts.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's skills, use "have a complete command of" to emphasize a high level of proficiency and control. This phrase is suitable for formal and professional contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "have a complete command of" if the individual's skills are merely adequate or developing. Reserve this phrase for situations where expertise is truly demonstrable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have a complete command of" functions as a verb phrase expressing a high degree of proficiency or mastery. It typically modifies a noun, indicating the subject's expertise in a particular field or skill. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have a complete command of" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to denote a high level of skill or expertise. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical soundness and utility across various contexts. While versatile, it's particularly well-suited for formal and professional settings, emphasizing demonstrable mastery. When aiming for precision, remember to use "of" rather than "on" and reserve this phrase for situations where expertise is evident. Alternatives such as "possess thorough mastery of" or "demonstrate expertise in" offer nuanced options for similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have full command of

A more concise way of expressing complete mastery.

possess thorough mastery of

Focuses on the depth of knowledge and control one has over a subject.

have comprehensive knowledge of

Emphasizes the breadth and extent of one's understanding.

demonstrate expertise in

Highlights the skill and proficiency one exhibits.

exhibit a strong grasp of

Indicates a firm understanding and control over a topic.

be highly proficient in

Focuses on the advanced skill level one possesses.

be adept at

Highlights skill and quickness in performing something.

have a firm handle on

Suggests a secure and confident control over something.

be well-versed in

Implies extensive knowledge and experience.

exercise complete control over

Highlights the ability to manage and direct something effectively.

FAQs

How can I use "have a complete command of" in a sentence?

You can use "have a complete command of" to describe someone's mastery over a subject or skill, such as "She "has a complete command of" the English language".

What are some alternatives to "have a complete command of"?

Alternatives include "possess thorough mastery of", "have comprehensive knowledge of", or "demonstrate expertise in", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "has a complete command on" instead of "have a complete command of"?

No, the correct preposition to use is "of". "Have a complete command of" is the standard and grammatically correct form.

What does it mean to "have a complete command of" something?

To "have a complete command of" something means to possess a very high level of skill, knowledge, and control over it, indicating expertise and proficiency.