obeying commands

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "obeying commands" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is following orders or instructions, often in relation to authority or programming. Example: "The robot is designed for obeying commands given by its operator."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

With the Robo app, the right blocks and a rainy afternoon, you could – according to the Kickstarter page – have a three-wheeled robot nosing around the room, obeying commands and announcing the weather forecast.

The Guardian - Tech

The company was a well-organized machine obeying commands from Atlanta headquarters, a "tightly run empire where the executives at the top had little tolerance for error," Ms. Hays writes.

The New York Times - Books

He was extubated three days after intubation at which time his eyes opened spontaneously, he was speaking spontaneously and obeying commands, and was returned to the ward.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Patients were excluded if they were obeying commands within 12 hours (indicating a non-severe TBI) or died within 12 hours of admission, as these patients were likely to succumb irrespectively of hemoglobin level.

Critical Care

And that work needs to include walks during which the dog is focused on obeying commands to be physically and mentally engaged.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Officer Kerrick's lawyers said the shooting was justified because Mr. Ferrell did not obey commands to stop.

The New York Times

Since 2012, the state's training has emphasised that people can be persuaded to obey commands, not just forced to.

The Economist

Because then what he is going to do is give you a copy, or he is just going to obey commands.

The New York Times

But to lure animals in and teach them to take food from your hand or to obey commands, that's a slower process.

The New York Times - Magazine

As James is walking toward a bomb, an Iraqi drives into the scene in a taxi and won't obey commands to go back.

The New Yorker

It told them not to use chemical or biological weapons, not to offer resistance, and not to obey commands to attack civilian areas, the source said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing instructions, clearly define the actor "obeying commands" and the source of those commands to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The software is designed for "obeying commands" from the user interface."

Common error

Avoid assuming the reader understands the implicit limitations of "obeying commands". Always clarify the scope and limitations. For example, instead of 'The robot is "obeying commands"', specify 'The robot is "obeying commands" within its defined operational parameters'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "obeying commands" functions primarily as a gerund phrase, often used as a noun to describe the act of following instructions or orders. It can be the subject or part of a prepositional phrase, as seen in Ludwig, which indicates its versatile grammatical role.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "obeying commands" is a grammatically sound gerund phrase used to describe the act of following instructions or orders. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific domains. While the frequency is rare, its usage is consistent across various authoritative sources. When using this phrase, it's crucial to define the scope and actor to maintain clarity. Related phrases such as "following orders" or "complying with instructions" can be used as alternatives depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

following orders

Focuses on the act of adhering to specific directives.

complying with instructions

Highlights adherence to a set of guidelines or rules.

adhering to directives

Emphasizes a more formal or official compliance.

executing orders

Implies carrying out commands with precision and action.

heeding commands

Suggests paying careful attention and then acting accordingly.

submitting to authority

Highlights the act of yielding to a superior's control.

answering to commands

Focuses on being responsible for fulfilling commands.

respecting orders

Indicates a level of deference and compliance.

being compliant

General term indicating obedience or willingness to follow rules.

performing as instructed

Focuses on the successful completion of tasks according to provided guidance.

FAQs

How to use "obeying commands" in a sentence?

"Obeying commands" typically describes following instructions or orders. For example, 'The soldier was disciplined for not "obeying commands"' or 'The software is capable of "obeying commands" from the user'.

What can I say instead of "obeying commands"?

You can use alternatives like "following orders", "complying with instructions", or "adhering to directives" depending on the context.

Is "obeying commands" formal or informal?

"Obeying commands" is generally neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal alternatives may be preferred in certain professional settings.

What's the difference between "obeying commands" and "following suggestions"?

"Obeying commands" implies a mandatory action based on authority, whereas "following suggestions" indicates a voluntary action based on advice or recommendations.