obey a command

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obey a command" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to following orders or directives given by someone in a position of authority. Example: "The soldiers were trained to obey a command without hesitation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Rather than obey a command like "Stay!" they might be scheming to grab the hamburger out on the counter.

The New York Times

Patients who do show signs of awareness those who are able to obey a command to blink or track a moving object with their eyes, for example—are by definition not vegetative and are spared this fate.

The Economist

Ngugi was freed after being caught in a police dragnet operation, but his half-brother, Gitogo, was shot in the back and killed by a British officer for failing to obey a command to halt.

The Guardian - Books

One might have a duty to obey a command merely because it commands the subject to do something that is just and any alternative action would be unjust.

SEP

With ordinary prescriptions, it isn't obvious that there is a state of mind that someone must be in if they utter or obey a command and which we ought to characterize as accepting an imperative.

SEP

Police have said Finch did not obey a command to keep his hands raised in the air, reported KWCH-12.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

A petabyte is not something you feed to your dog when he obeys a command.

The Washington Post

Standing straight, with your shoulders squared, can mean the difference between whether a dog obeys a command or not.

The New Yorker

Scientists in Austria report in The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences that a dog may stop obeying a command if it sees that another dog is getting a better deal.

The New York Times - Science

During his inquiry, Newman heard evidence from one of the soldiers, anonymised as SO18, that he could see Ali panicking as he began to slip under the water, but he then obeyed a command to get back into the Warrior.

The Guardian

On the video, Shaver says, "Please do not shoot me," as he obeys a command to crawl toward the officers.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "obey a command", ensure that the context clearly indicates who is issuing the command and who is expected to comply.

Common error

Avoid using "obey a command" when the situation involves a suggestion or request rather than a formal order. A command implies authority and expectation of compliance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obey a command" typically functions as a verb phrase indicating compliance or adherence to a directive. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It describes the action of following an instruction, order, or rule issued by someone in authority. Examples show it used in contexts ranging from dog training to military orders.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "obey a command" is a grammatically sound and usable expression in English, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It signifies compliance with an order or instruction, frequently appearing in contexts related to news, science, and general knowledge. While not exceedingly common, it is well-understood and appropriate for describing situations where adherence to commands is expected. For alternatives, consider phrases like "follow an order" or "comply with instructions" depending on the specific nuance you intend to convey. Remember to use this phrase when there is clear evidence of authority and expectation of compliance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

follow an order

Focuses on the action of adhering to a specific directive.

comply with instructions

Highlights adherence to a set of guidelines or directions.

carry out a command

Focuses on the completion or fulfillment of a specific order.

execute a directive

Emphasizes the carrying out of an official instruction.

adhere to orders

Stresses the act of sticking closely to established commands.

act on instructions

Highlights taking action based on provided instructions.

heed a command

Emphasizes paying attention and acting accordingly to a command.

fulfill a request

Implies satisfying a more general request, which may or may not be a formal command.

respond to a direction

Suggests a reaction or answer to a given direction.

submit to authority

Indicates yielding to a position of power and following commands.

FAQs

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

You can use "obey a command" to describe someone following a direct order or instruction. For example, "The dog was trained to obey a command without hesitation."

What are some alternatives to "obey a command"?

Some alternatives to "obey a command" include "follow an order", "comply with instructions", or "execute a directive".

Is it always necessary to "obey a command"?

While obeying lawful commands is generally expected, there may be ethical or moral considerations that warrant questioning or refusing a command, particularly if it is unjust or harmful.

What is the difference between "obey a command" and "follow a suggestion"?

"Obey a command" implies a mandatory action dictated by authority, while "follow a suggestion" indicates a voluntary action based on advice or recommendation.