loss of command

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "loss of command" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to authority, control, or operational situations, often in military or technical discussions. Example: "The pilot reported a loss of command during the flight, which led to an emergency landing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

He mourns for his eyes and cares very little about loss of command further down.

The Guardian

Still: "The solution was to redraw the portrait; it was by accepting a loss of command over the penis as a harmless possibility in lovemaking that one could pre-empt its occurrence -- as the stricken man eventually discovered".

The New York Times - Books

The demotion, the loss of command, the cut in pay to less than his wife, Tracy, makes as a fourth-grade teacher, have diminished Mr. Lawlor, 34, in his own eyes.

The New York Times

At 40, Pettitte, who allowed four runs in five innings in the Yankees' 5-4 loss to the Oakland Athletics on Sunday at Yankee Stadium, is experiencing a bewildering loss of command.

The New York Times - Sports

These successes were nullified by the Maratha horses being thrown into disarray by a hidden canal and the temporary loss of command by Gokhale, whose horse was shot.

Wikipedia

Zito's diminished velocity at the start of the 2007 season (his fastball velocity slowed to 83 85 mph) and loss of command were the key mechanical reasons for his struggles that year, as he more often got behind in the count and had to rely more on his fastball.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

At 08 00 Lieutenant General Minh, commander of the VNAF and 30 of his staff arrived at the DAO compound demanding evacuation, signifying the complete loss of VNAF command and control.

Wikipedia

(At times he sounds uncannily like Richard Burton.) Antony's gradual loss of his command — over his men, his skills and his sexual drive — is drawn clearly, if at times too volubly.

The New York Times

The disorganized nature of the British retreat demonstrated a loss of effective command.

Wikipedia

These incidents brought Patton public condemnation, and loss of his command.

Wikipedia

Important Douglas allies died in France and some of their heirs realigned with rival nobles through blood ties while at the same time Douglas experienced a loosening of allegiances in the Lothians and, with the loss of his command over Edinburgh Castle, this all served to improve James's position.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "loss of command", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific type of command or control is being lost. For instance, specify whether it's military command, self-control, or control over a process.

Common error

Avoid using "loss of command" in overly broad or ambiguous situations. Instead, provide specific details about what control was lost and the consequences of that loss. For example, instead of saying there was a "loss of command", explain that there was a "loss of command of ground forces due to communication failure".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "loss of command" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It describes a state or event where control or authority is diminished or absent. Examples from Ludwig show its use in various contexts, including military and personal situations, which is consistent with Ludwig AI's confirmation of its correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

27%

Science

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "loss of command" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe a state of diminished control or authority. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a valid and usable expression, particularly in professional, news, and encyclopedic contexts. While it is not extremely common, the phrase effectively communicates a negative reduction in control, and can refer to many situations. To ensure clarity, always specify the type of command being lost and the resulting consequences. Alternatives include "breakdown in control" or "erosion of authority", depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inability to command

Focuses on the lack of capability to effectively lead or give orders.

relinquishing command

Emphasizes the act of giving up one's position of command.

breakdown in control

Emphasizes the failure or disruption of control mechanisms.

failure to maintain control

Highlights the unsuccessful attempt to keep control over a situation.

erosion of authority

Highlights the gradual weakening of someone's power or right to give orders.

diminished authority

Focuses on the reduced level of authority that someone possesses.

forfeiture of control

Suggests a complete surrender or relinquishing of control.

compromised control

Indicates that control has been weakened or negatively affected.

end of authority

Suggests the termination or cessation of someone's authority.

transfer of authority

Focuses on the shifting of power or control from one entity to another.

FAQs

How is "loss of command" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "loss of command" is typically used to describe situations where control or authority is diminished or absent, often in contexts such as military operations or personal abilities. For example, "The general's "relinquishing command" led to confusion on the battlefield."

What are some alternatives to "loss of command"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "breakdown in control", "erosion of authority", or "inability to command".

Is it always negative to describe a situation as "loss of command"?

Yes, the phrase "loss of command" generally carries a negative connotation because it implies a reduction in control, which is usually undesirable. However, in some contexts, such as intentionally "relinquishing command" to delegate tasks, it might not always be negative.

In what contexts is "loss of command" most frequently used?

"Loss of command" is frequently used in military and organizational contexts to describe situations where control is lost. It is also used in personal contexts to refer to "failure to maintain control" over one's faculties or emotions.