in the command of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in the command of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone has control or authority over something or someone else. Example: "The project was successful due to the team's efforts, but ultimately, it was in the command of the project manager."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Cunningham was replaced by Commander George Cockburn in the command of Speedy, which remained in the Mediterranean.

Wikipedia

(No doubt Didion, who seems never to have faltered in the command of her own image-making, recognizes it, too).

The New Yorker

One army spokesman called the meeting with General Kiyani and the change in the command of the 111 brigade "routine".

The Economist

He remained with the Army of the North until August 1793, establishing his mastery in military operations as well as in the command of men.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But the verse is a virtuoso exercise in the command of English, with its slang, extreme compression, thrusting verbs and confident references to one of the great poems of the language, Matthew Arnold's Dover Beach, written in 1867.

The Guardian

The autopsy of the ambush also revealed flaws in military planning and intelligence gathering, including fundamental problems in the command of the unit that been attacked, the Afghan National Army's 207th Corps, Afghan officials said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

It was launched in March 1792 under the command of Robert Haswell.

Wikipedia

Cunningham had previously been serving in the East Indies in command of the 16-gun sloop.

Wikipedia

From 1903 to 1912 the ship was the flagship of the second-in-command of the Black Sea Fleet.

Wikipedia

The name of the man in command of the "British Police Mission" to Greece is little known.

The Guardian

He was the second in command of the Chinatown gangs because he was the assistant to the leader.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about past events, confirm the correct title and rank of the individual "in the command of" something. Accuracy enhances credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "in the command of" when simply referring to someone's general influence or expertise. This phrase specifically denotes a formal position of control, not just skill or knowledge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the command of" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun or verb to indicate who holds authority or control over something. It specifies the leader or person responsible for a particular entity or operation, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

22%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

9%

Reference

9%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in the command of" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate that someone is in a position of authority or control. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and wiki contexts. While generally neutral to formal, ensure that its usage aligns with the overall tone of your writing. Remember to use this phrase to denote formal control rather than general influence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under the direction of

Replaces "command" with "direction", focusing on guidance and supervision rather than direct control.

under the authority of

Emphasizes the legitimacy and power behind the control, highlighting the source of command.

overseeing

Focuses on the act of supervising and managing, suggesting a broader scope than just giving commands.

in charge of

A more informal alternative, emphasizing responsibility and control over a specific task or group.

at the helm of

Metaphorically suggests leadership and guidance, particularly in navigating complex situations.

leading

Focuses on guiding and directing a group or organization, highlighting the act of leadership.

supervising

Emphasizes the oversight and management aspect of control, often in a hierarchical context.

administering

Highlights the act of managing and executing tasks, often in an organizational setting.

controlling

Directly indicates the power to dictate and manage, often with a more forceful connotation.

managing

Focuses on the practical aspects of handling and directing resources or personnel.

FAQs

What does "in the command of" mean?

The phrase "in the command of" signifies that a person holds a position of authority, giving them control and responsibility over a specific entity, such as a military unit, ship, or project.

What are some alternatives to "in the command of"?

You can use alternatives like "under the direction of", "in charge of", or "under the authority of" depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "in the command of" in informal writing?

While generally suitable for formal or neutral contexts, "in the command of" can sound overly formal in casual writing. In such cases, consider more relaxed alternatives like "in charge of" or "leading".

How does "in the command of" differ from "under the command of"?

"In the command of" emphasizes the individual who holds the position of authority, whereas "under the command of" highlights the subordinate entity that is being controlled. The difference is subtle, but using the correct expression improves the precision of your writing.