have command over

USAGE SUMMARY

"have command over" is a correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It means to have control, authority, or mastery over something. Example: The project leader has command over the team and ensures that all tasks are completed efficiently.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

That process is easier for younger officers than for their older and less-educated colleagues, who tend to have command over conscripts.

The Economist

In an era when it was commonly held that a wife must submit to her husband's sexual demands, Stanton firmly believed that women should have command over their sexual relationships and childbearing.

Wikipedia

"Money at the service of life can be managed in the right way by cooperatives, on condition that it is a real cooperative where capital does not have command over men but men over capital," he said.

Huffington Post

This induces a feeling of helplessness and the patient does not know, as a result, which abilities they still really have command over [ 7].

BMC Nursing

Once you have command of your instrument, the next phase is to have command over your tone.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

"He had command over both breaking balls," Girardi said.

The New York Times - Sports

"Xi Jinping must do something to show that he has command over those interests — that they are not independent kingdoms.

The New York Times

They argue that Mr. Karadzic was the undisputed Bosnian Serb wartime leader, and that he made key political decisions and had command over the local government, the police and the military during the war.

The New York Times

Data has therefore become 'an object whose production interests those who exercise power' because 'there has never been a state, monarchy, kingdom, empire, government, or corporation in history that has had command over such granular, immediate, varied, and detailed data about subjects and objects that concern them' (Ruppert et al., 2017: 3).

International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education

Can you blame him for trying to exert control over the tiny sliver of his life he still has command over?

Vice

In the movie, SkyNet was a computer system developed for the U.S. military as a global defense network, which had command over all computerized military hardware.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have command over" when you want to emphasize not just control, but also a degree of skill or mastery. For instance, a musician might "have command over" their instrument.

Common error

Avoid using "have command over" to describe physical control in situations where simple physical strength or possession is involved. For instance, instead of saying someone "has command over" a heavy object they are lifting, describe it as simply 'lifting' or 'holding' the object.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have command over" functions as a verb phrase indicating the ability to exercise control, authority, or mastery over something or someone. It is used to express that a person or entity is in a position to direct or influence something effectively. According to Ludwig AI, this is a correct phrase and can be used in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have command over" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression signifying the ability to exercise control, authority, or mastery. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It appears most frequently in News & Media, Wiki, and Scientific contexts, indicating a neutral to professional register. While "have command over" suggests a strong capacity for direction and influence, it's essential to use it appropriately, particularly avoiding its misuse in purely physical contexts. Alternatives such as "exercise authority over" or "wield control over" can provide nuanced variations depending on the specific intent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have authority over

Directly states the possession of power or right to control.

exercise authority over

Emphasizes the act of using one's power or control.

wield control over

Highlights the ability to manipulate or direct something.

possess mastery of

Focuses on a high level of skill or expertise.

be in charge of

Indicates responsibility and control over a specific area.

hold sway over

Emphasizes the power to influence decisions or actions.

exert influence on

Implies a more subtle form of control or sway.

govern effectively

Highlights the capability to manage or rule successfully.

demonstrate expertise in

Focuses on showcasing proficient skills and knowledge.

be at the helm of

Suggests leadership and direction.

FAQs

How can I use "have command over" in a sentence?

You can use "have command over" to indicate control, authority, or expertise. For example, "A skilled general must "have command over" their troops".

What's the difference between "have command over" and "have control over"?

"Have command over" often implies a greater degree of skill, authority, or expertise than simply "have control over". Command suggests a higher level of mastery.

What are some alternatives to "have command over"?

Alternatives include "exercise authority over", "wield control over", or "possess mastery of", depending on the specific context.

Is "have command on" grammatically correct, or should I use "have command over"?

The correct phrase is "have command over". "Have command on" is not standard English.