obey the command

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obey the command" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is instructed to follow a directive or order. Example: "In the military, soldiers are trained to obey the command of their superiors without question."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

They know they will be slaughtered, but they obey the command anyway.

The New York Times

Adebolajo told jurors that he was a "soldier of Allah" and was obliged to obey the command of Allah.

The Guardian

Then wait a beat, because computers need a second or two to do the internal housekeeping necessary to obey the command.

The New York Times - Tech

But in the case in which one dog got no treat at all, that dog became less and less inclined to obey the command.

The New York Times - Science

With characteristic creativity and charmingly knotty logic, Danticat compares Drouin and Numa's mini-rebellion against Duvalier to the refusal of Adam and Eve to obey the command of an­other dictator who, we must hope, is more benign.

The New York Times - Books

"You think this is a game?" He fires two shots just inches from the man's feet, but rather than recoil or obey the command, the man simply shakes his head and sits down at the edge of the street.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

And yet he did not obey the commands of pedigree.

The New Yorker

The business community must also obey the commands and signals of Putin's circle.

The New Yorker

This mattered because, out in the real world, NOx emissions were stubbornly failing to obey the commands of the politicians' regulations and fall.

The Guardian

If all the dog's training is done in the living room, the dog may only obey the commands in the living room.

Stanford University

To hate our own will and to obey the commands of the Abbess in everything,... remembering the Lord's command … systems of recording sound come in the form of variations of magnetisation along a continuous tape of, or coated with or impregnated with, ferro-magnetic material.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about hierarchical structures (military, corporate), use "obey the command" to emphasize the importance of following orders without question.

Common error

Avoid using "obey the command" when referring to suggestions or non-binding requests. This phrase is best suited for situations where there is a clear authority and an expectation of compliance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obey the command" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating compliance with an instruction or order. Ludwig AI confirms this, showing examples where it describes adherence to authority or rules.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "obey the command" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression indicating compliance with an instruction or order. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans across various contexts, including news, general knowledge, and scientific discussions. It conveys a neutral tone and is suitable for describing situations where adherence to authority or established protocols is emphasized. Related phrases like "follow the directive" or "comply with the order" offer alternatives with slightly different nuances, and remembering its best suited for situations where there is a clear authority and an expectation of compliance. Overall, understanding the scope and context in which "obey the command" is used ensures its appropriate and effective application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

follow the directive

Replaces "command" with "directive", emphasizing the authoritative instruction being followed.

heed the instruction

Emphasizes paying attention to and acting upon the instruction.

comply with the order

Replaces "command" with "order", stressing adherence to an official direction.

adhere to the regulation

Changes "command" to "regulation", focusing on conforming to a rule or law.

submit to the authority

Shifts the focus to acknowledging and yielding to the power or control behind the command.

act on the instruction

Emphasizes taking action based on the given instruction.

execute the order

Highlights the performance or carrying out of the order.

fulfill the requirement

Focuses on satisfying a specific condition or demand.

respond to the directive

Emphasizes the reaction or action taken in response to the directive.

observe the guidelines

Shifts to following or respecting a set of principles or recommendations.

FAQs

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

You can use "obey the command" to describe situations where someone is required to follow an instruction, such as "Soldiers must "obey the command" of their superiors".

What are some alternatives to "obey the command"?

Alternatives include "follow the directive", "heed the instruction", or "comply with the order", each with slightly different nuances.

Is it always appropriate to "obey the command"?

No, the appropriateness of "obeying the command" depends on the ethical and legal implications of the command itself. Blind obedience can be problematic if the command is unlawful or immoral.

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

"Obey the command" implies a mandatory action, whereas "follow the suggestion" indicates a voluntary choice. Commands carry authority, while suggestions are merely recommendations.