in command of

USAGE SUMMARY

"in command of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe someone's authority in a certain position, situation, or field of knowledge. For example, "The Admiral was in command of the entire fleet of ships."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

I'm in command of my necessaries.

The New Yorker

You be in command of yours".

The New Yorker

She is in command of her identity.

The Guardian - Arts

But he's always in command of himself.

The New York Times - Sports

"He was in command of his life.

The New York Times - Sports

Levine was no less in command of the bigger picture.

The New Yorker

Maybe I feel like I'm in command of the house".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

The second-in-command of the freed hostages' battalion, Maj.

The New York Times

Johnny Arroyo, the second-in-command of the volunteer crew.

The New York Times

He was brought back to Washington as second-in-command of agent training.

The Guardian

David Holahan, second-in-command of the Marine unit involved, and nearly all were killed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in command of" when you want to emphasize someone's authority or control over a specific situation, group, or resource. For example, "The general was in command of the troops."

Common error

Avoid using "in command of" with abstract concepts or feelings where "in control of" or "having a good understanding of" would be more appropriate. For instance, instead of saying "He was in command of his emotions", consider "He was in control of his emotions" or "He had a good understanding of his emotions".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in command of" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating authority, control, and leadership. As evidenced by Ludwig, it's commonly used to denote someone's position of power or responsibility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in command of" signifies authority and control, functioning primarily as a prepositional phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, but also in encyclopedias and wikis, the phrase maintains a generally neutral register. Alternatives such as "in charge of" or "in control of" offer similar meanings, though with subtle differences in emphasis. Best practice involves using "in command of" when emphasizing authority over a specific entity, while avoiding its application to abstract concepts where alternative phrasing might be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in charge of

Focuses more on the responsibility aspect rather than the authority.

in control of

Emphasizes the act of managing and directing something.

responsible for

Highlights accountability and duty.

at the helm of

Suggests leadership and guidance, often in a metaphorical sense.

presiding over

Implies a formal authority, often in meetings or ceremonies.

managing

Focuses on the practical aspects of overseeing something.

supervising

Highlights the act of overseeing and directing work or people.

heading

Implies leading a team or organization.

overseeing

Focuses on the act of watching over and directing activities.

leading

Suggests guiding and directing a group or project.

FAQs

What does "in command of" mean?

The phrase "in command of" means having authority and control over a person, group, or situation. It implies a position of leadership and responsibility.

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

You can use "in command of" to describe someone who is leading or directing something. For example, "The captain was "in command of" the ship", or "She is "in command of" the project".

What are some alternatives to "in command of"?

Some alternatives to "in command of" include "in charge of", "in control of", and "responsible for". The best alternative depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "in command of" someone or something?

Yes, it is correct to say "in command of" someone or something. It indicates that the person or entity has the authority and responsibility to direct and control the actions or operations of that person or thing.