letter of command

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "letter of command" is correct and it can be used in written English.
It is usually used to describe a written document that orders someone to do something. For example: In response to her Department Head's letter of command, Sarah quickly gathered her notes and prepared to give her presentation.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

By the time Zhuge Liang arrived, Cao Cao had already sent Sun Quan a letter boasting of commanding 800,000 men and hinting that he wanted Sun to surrender.

Wikipedia

The United Nations Commission on Human Rights revealed an October 2005 confidential letter from Command Headquarters of the Armed Forces of Iran ordering its members to identify Bahá'ís and to monitor their activities.

Wikipedia

Bradburn promptly forwarded the letter up the chain of command.

Wikipedia

The map (phi ) takes each configuration c to which a command of (M') is applicable to the configuration (alpha c q_theta omega ) where (q_theta ) is a state letter of (M') corresponding to the command (theta ) that is applicable to c (note that since M is deterministic, (theta ) is determined by c).

Bulletin of Mathematical Sciences

You can find this by typing in "vol (drive letter):" into command prompt.

WikiHow

Several years ago, though, the former singer and widow of the late composer Henry Mancini received a letter that commanded her attention.

Los Angeles Times

Among those raising questions of command negligence has been Senator Jim Webb, Democrat of Virginia, who, in a letter, asked the Defense Department to conduct "an independent examination of the actions taken at each level of the chain of command".

The New York Times

"Forget the chain of command!

The New York Times

Hierarchies of command.

Huffington Post

Respect the chain of command.

WikiHow

At the command prompt, type the drive letter of the drive you want to check (followed by a colon), and press Enter.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "letter of command", ensure the context clearly indicates a formal, written directive, often within military, governmental, or organizational settings.

Common error

Avoid using "letter of command" in informal contexts or when referring to simple instructions. This phrase implies a formal, authoritative directive, so use more appropriate terms like 'note' or 'message' for less formal situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "letter of command" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a specific type of written communication. It is used to denote a formal, authoritative document conveying instructions or orders.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Formal & Business

0%

News & Media

0%

Science

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "letter of command" is a grammatically sound noun phrase referring to a formal, written directive. While Ludwig's analysis indicates a correctness, the lack of examples suggests it's not frequently used. The phrase carries a professional register, suitable for military, governmental, or organizational contexts. When writing, it's important to ensure the formality level aligns with the situation and to consider alternatives like "official directive" or "written order" depending on the nuance you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

written order

This alternative is a more direct synonym, focusing on the action of ordering and its documentation.

official directive

This alternative focuses on the formal aspect of a command, emphasizing its official nature.

formal order

This option highlights the authoritative nature of the command, using 'formal' to convey its structured and official origin.

written instruction

This choice emphasizes the documented aspect of the command, specifying that it is provided in written form.

command in writing

This phrase restructures the original while preserving the core meaning but focuses more on the way the command is issued rather than its nature.

directive in written form

This alternative uses 'directive' as a synonym for command and specifies that it is given in a written format.

official instruction

By using 'instruction', this simplifies the command's nature, suitable for more general contexts, but keeps an official status.

formal mandate

This alternative suggests a stronger sense of authority, emphasizing the binding aspect of the command.

decree in writing

Using 'decree' implies a high level of authority and formality, indicating an official order conveyed through written means.

mandated instruction

The term 'mandated' reinforces the compulsory aspect of the command, suggesting it's officially required.

FAQs

How can "letter of command" be used in a sentence?

You can use "letter of command" to describe a formal, written directive, such as, "The officer received a "letter of command" outlining the mission objectives."

What phrases are similar to "letter of command"?

Similar phrases include "official directive", "formal order", or "written instruction", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between a "letter of command" and a "written order"?

While both refer to written directives, "letter of command" implies a higher degree of formality and authority, typically within hierarchical organizations. "Written order" is a more generic term.

When is it appropriate to use the term "letter of command"?

Use "letter of command" when referring to a formal, written instruction issued by someone in a position of authority, especially within a military or governmental context. In less formal settings, consider using alternative terms.