have a strong command of

USAGE SUMMARY

It is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone with a high level of knowledge or skill in a particular area. For example: "He has a strong command of theoretical physics."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

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

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

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

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

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

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

Replace with more direct and concise alternative expressions if you want to add dynamism to the text. Example: instead of stating "he had a strong command of history" prefer using something like "He mastered history".

Common error

Avoid using "have a strong command of" without specifying the subject matter. Saying someone "has a strong command" without context leaves the reader wondering what they are proficient in. Always clarify the area of expertise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have a strong command of" functions as a descriptor of competence or proficiency. It emphasizes a high level of skill and understanding in a particular area. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have a strong command of" is a versatile expression used to describe proficiency or expertise in a particular area. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and appropriate for various writing contexts. While alternatives like ""be proficient in"" or ""have a firm grasp of"" exist, "have a strong command of" often implies a deeper, more comprehensive level of understanding. Usage is common across news media, academic writing and also encyclopedias. Remember to clearly specify the area of expertise when using this phrase to avoid vagueness. Top sources include The New York Times, Huffington Post and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have a firm grasp of

Uses "grasp" to convey understanding and control.

have a mastery of

Emphasizes a high level of skill and control.

be proficient in

A more concise way to express skill level.

possess a robust understanding of

Replaces "command" with "understanding" and uses "robust" for emphasis.

be well-versed in

Suggests extensive knowledge and experience.

be adept at

Focuses on skill and dexterity.

exhibit a high degree of competence in

Focuses on demonstrated ability and uses "competence" instead of "command".

demonstrate expertise in

Highlights the expert level of skill.

excel in

Highlights exceptional performance and ability.

have a talent for

Indicates a natural aptitude or skill.

FAQs

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

You can use "have a strong command of" to describe someone's proficiency or expertise in a particular area. For example, "She "has a strong command of the English language"" or "He "has a strong command of project management"".

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

Alternatives include "be proficient in", "have a firm grasp of", or "demonstrate expertise in", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "have a strong command of" or "be proficient in"?

Both phrases are correct, but "have a strong command of" often implies a deeper, more comprehensive understanding, while "be proficient in" suggests competence and skill. The choice depends on the specific level of expertise you want to emphasize.

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

"Have a strong command of" indicates a higher degree of expertise and control than "have a good understanding of". The former suggests mastery, while the latter suggests comprehension.