have a good command of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have a good command of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase to indicate that someone has a good understanding, knowledge, or control of something. For example: "She has a good command of the French language."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

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

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

Owing to Somalia's colonial past, many people have a good command of English and Italian, which, in addition to Somali, are used at the country's colleges and universities.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Employees from the country generally have a good command of English and a comparatively high level of education, and they have a reputation for maintaining good work relationships with their employers.

The New York Times

Applicants must have an outstanding academic record at a level equivalent to the GCE "A" level and should have a good command of the English language.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 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

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

The Guardian

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

The New York Times

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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's abilities, use "have a good command of" followed by the specific skill or subject matter to provide clarity and context. For example, "She has a good command of data analysis techniques."

Common error

Avoid substituting "of" with other prepositions like "in" or "on". "Have a good command in" or "have a good command on" are grammatically incorrect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have a good command of" functions as a verb phrase indicating proficiency or expertise in a particular skill, language, or subject. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Science

31%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have a good command of" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe someone's proficiency or expertise. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts, ranging from news reporting and scientific writing to general conversation. While alternatives exist, "have a good command of" remains a clear and effective way to communicate someone's capabilities. Remember to use "of" correctly and tailor the phrase to the specific skill or subject you're describing for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have a firm grasp on

Implies a secure and comprehensive understanding.

have thorough knowledge of

Underscores the depth and completeness of understanding.

possess a strong understanding of

Emphasizes understanding rather than just knowledge.

have mastered

Implies complete and comprehensive control or understanding.

be well-versed in

Suggests extensive knowledge through study or experience.

have a strong handle on

Focuses on the ability to manage or control something effectively.

demonstrate proficiency in

Highlights skill and ability to perform well.

exhibit expertise in

Focuses on advanced knowledge and skill.

be skilled in

Emphasizes competence and training.

be adept at

Highlights natural skill or talent.

FAQs

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

Use "have a good command of" to indicate proficiency or expertise in a particular area. For example, "He "has a good command of" the English language."

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

Alternatives include phrases like "possess a strong understanding of", "demonstrate proficiency in", or "have a firm grasp on", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "have a good command of" or "have a strong command of"?

Both "have a good command of" and "have a strong command of" are correct and usable. "Strong" might suggest a higher level of proficiency than "good", but the difference is subtle.

What's the difference between "have a good command of" and "have a good understanding of"?

"Have a good command of" typically implies a skill or language, while "have a good understanding of" suggests knowledge or comprehension of a subject or concept. Although there are differences, they are often used to mean the same thing.