next in command

USAGE SUMMARY

"next in command" is a valid phrase in written English.
It is generally used to describe a person who is second in charge in a particular situation or organization. For example, "The assistant manager is the next in command if the manager is unavailable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Claes Uggla was next in command after Creutz and became the acting commander of the Swedish fleet.

Wikipedia

Conceded an admirer, "Jackson, silent and reserved, never taking counsel even with his next in command as to his plans, most rigid and exacting as a commander, had not yet acquired that wonderful control over his soldiers which a few months later would have rendered such murmuring impossible".

The New York Times

The president couldn't think of it, the next in command couldn't think of it either.

The New Yorker

Shiplee's next in command, Ann Harris, also disclosed during the meeting that due to the multitude of problematic issues facing universal credit, the project was coded red overall.

The Guardian

My next in command looked at me and said, 'How are we gonna get through this?' I said, 'We're gonna do it, we're gonna go through this like a knife through butter'".

Independent

Just days before the dictator Ion Antonescu's henchmen murdered my grandfather, experts on the Holocaust say, his next in command, Mihai Antonescu, advised top officials about the coming deportation of Jews.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Eighty-four percent of responders said that they themselves worked more hours than their No. 2, by an average of 17percentt; 16 percent said that their next-in-command worked equal hours.

Huffington Post

He returned after a falling out with management there to become The New York Times Washington bureau chief, and next, Abramson's second-in-command.

Huffington Post

"In addition to the Russian or Russians, she slept with a full-blown fascist — General Ernest Udet, second in command (next to Goering) of the German air force; Louis Ferdinand, grandson of the Kaiser; and some guy in the French Embassy in Berlin..

The New Yorker

"In addition to the Russian or Russians, she slept with a full-blown fascist General Ernest Udet, second in command (next to Goering) of the German air force; Louis Ferdinand, grandson of the Kaiser; and some guy in the French Embassy in Berlin...

The New Yorker

It was not until 1943 that he was given his next major command, again as commander in chief in India.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "next in command" when you need to specify the immediate successor in a hierarchical structure, especially when the primary leader is temporarily or permanently unavailable.

Common error

Avoid using "next in command" when the chain of succession is unclear or not formally established. Instead, clarify the specific roles and responsibilities of each individual.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "next in command" primarily functions as a noun phrase identifying an individual who assumes leadership responsibilities in the absence of the primary leader. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "next in command" accurately describes an individual who assumes leadership when the primary leader is absent. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. The phrase is suitable for various contexts, particularly news and media, and wiki sources. While it can be used informally, it retains a degree of formality. Alternatives include "second in charge" and "deputy leader". It's crucial to use it when the chain of succession is clearly defined to avoid confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

second in charge

This alternative directly indicates the person who takes over responsibilities when the primary leader is unavailable.

deputy commander

Similar to "next in command", it designates an individual with delegated authority.

chief deputy

Indicates the primary assistant who can act in place of the leader.

second officer

Used primarily in military or nautical contexts, referring to the second-highest ranking officer.

vice president

In corporate and political hierarchies, this role often takes over responsibilities in the leader's absence.

alternate authority

This signifies someone who has the power or right to act on behalf of another.

interim leader

Suggests a temporary position of leadership.

successor

Implies a more permanent replacement, often planned in advance.

underboss

Often used in criminal contexts, referring to the second in command.

heir apparent

Suggests a clear and designated successor to a position of power.

FAQs

What's a simpler way to say "next in command"?

You can use phrases like "second in charge" or "deputy leader" as simpler alternatives.

Is "next in command" formal or informal?

The phrase "next in command" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the situation and audience.

What's the difference between "next in line" and "next in command"?

"Next in line" generally refers to the order of succession, while "next in command" specifically denotes who assumes leadership when the current leader is unavailable.

When is it appropriate to use "next in command"?

Use "next in command" when discussing hierarchical structures where a clear succession of leadership exists, such as in the military, corporate management or project management.