he commands

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he commands" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone who has authority or control over others, often in a military or leadership context. Example: "In times of crisis, he commands respect from his team and leads them with confidence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He commands fierce loyalty.

The Economist

He commands me to sell".

The Economist

He commands street power".

The New York Times - Magazine

"Wands out, Harry," he commands.

The New Yorker

He commands peer group respect.

The Guardian

He commands but never swashbuckles.

The Guardian

He commands it so well".

The New York Times - Sports

"So he commands my attention".

The New York Times - Sports

He commands rapt attention at Spring.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"Again!" he commanded.

The New Yorker

Chug!" he commanded.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he commands" when you want to emphasize the subject's authority and ability to give orders or direct actions. It's particularly effective in describing military leaders, project managers or anyone in a position of power.

Common error

Avoid using "he commands" in casual conversations or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or even pompous. Opt for more natural alternatives like "he asks" or "he tells" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he commands" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of giving an order or exercising authority. Examples from Ludwig show it used in contexts where someone is directing others, such as a military leader or a person in charge.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Sports

10%

Books

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "he commands" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote authority and the act of giving orders, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in news, media, and sports contexts, it conveys a sense of control and direction. While common, its formal tone makes it less suitable for casual conversations. Ludwig provides a range of examples demonstrating the diverse applications of this phrase, from describing military leaders to individuals exerting influence. Consider alternatives like "he directs" or "he leads" for nuanced meanings, and avoid overuse in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is in charge

Focuses on the responsibility and control someone has.

he is in control

Highlights the person's ability to manage and direct situations or people.

he is at the helm

Implies leadership and guidance, often in a strategic context.

he directs

Focuses on giving instructions and guiding actions.

he leads

Highlights the person's role in guiding and influencing others.

he dictates

Emphasizes the power to give orders and make decisions authoritatively.

he exerts authority

Highlights the act of using one's power or influence.

he rules

Suggests absolute authority and power over a situation or group.

he holds sway

Implies a strong influence or power over others.

he has dominion

Indicates complete control and ownership over something.

FAQs

How can I use "he commands" in a sentence?

Use "he commands" to describe someone giving orders or exercising authority, for example: "The general surveyed the troops and "he commands" them to advance".

What are some alternatives to "he commands"?

You can use alternatives like "he orders", "he directs", or "he instructs" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. The alternative "he directs", for example, suggests guidance rather than strict authority.

Is it always appropriate to use "he commands"?

While grammatically correct, "he commands" is formal and best suited for contexts where authority is emphasized. In more casual situations, alternatives like "he asks" or "he tells" may be more appropriate.

How does "he commands" differ from "he requests"?

"He commands" implies authority and an expectation of obedience, whereas "he requests" suggests a polite invitation that may or may not be followed. For instance, a captain "he commands" his crew, but a colleague requests assistance.