once in command

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "once in command" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a time when someone had control or authority over a situation or group. Example: "Once in command, the general implemented new strategies to improve troop morale."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Once in command, though, he devoted himself to proving that his African-American soldiers could fight just as well as any white ones.

The New York Times

Conversely, Eta's own pressure group, its political wing Batasuna, once in command of the streets of the Basque country, has been cornered.

The Guardian - Opinion

Once in command of a station, Paxson eviscerates it.

Forbes

Benedict Arnold was once in command of West Point and offered to surrender the army post at West Point to the British for 20,000 pounds, but his courier was captured before the letters were delivered.

Forbes

Once in command of Avranches, VIII Corps then secured the bridges at Pontaubault, and in doing so, broke out of the Cotentin Peninsula and into Brittany.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Next month Paul Maritz, once third in command at the Redmond, Wash., software giant, will unveil a set of software products he's been cooking up in stealth mode since 2003.

Forbes

6 Upon being placed once more in command of the army he drilled it no less thoroughly, and as the native tribes were at peace, he caused his men to dig a canal all the way across from the Rhine to the Maas, a distance of about twenty-three mines, in order to prevent the rivers from flowing back and causing inundations at the flood-tide of the Ocean.

University of Chicago

Once left in command of the fortress, Skanderbeg moved against Ferdinand's rivals.

Wikipedia

"No stop at the corner". But once those in command sent orders to solve a problem, the staff moved quickly.

Los Angeles Times

Once in sole command after 1966, he started to give rein to his instinct as an impresario, with variable but sometimes fabulous results.

The Guardian - Music

Once in the command prompt, type chkdsk /f C: to scan your C hard drive.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "once in command" to clearly indicate a transition point when someone assumed control, emphasizing subsequent actions or changes resulting from that authority.

Common error

Avoid using "once in command" when describing someone who always holds authority; this phrase is best for describing a specific moment of transition to power.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "once in command" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating a temporal relationship. It modifies a verb or clause to specify when an action or state occurred, highlighting the assumption of authority. This aligns with examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Science

4%

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "once in command" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate the point at which someone assumes control, setting the stage for subsequent actions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. It's most frequently found in news and encyclopedic sources, indicating a neutral register. When using the phrase, emphasize the transition to authority and subsequent events. Alternatives like "after assuming control" or "upon taking charge" can be used to convey similar meanings, as well. However, its usage is limited, the frequency is uncommon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

After assuming control

Focuses on the action of taking control rather than the state of being in command.

Upon taking charge

Emphasizes the moment of assuming responsibility and authority.

When in control

Highlights the state of being in control and its implications.

Having assumed authority

Formally indicates that authority has been granted or taken.

With authority established

Highlights the establishment of authority before any actions are taken.

In a position of leadership

Focuses on the general state of being a leader.

After gaining power

Emphasizes the acquisition of power and its subsequent use.

Once empowered

Highlights the moment when someone receives power or authorization.

In charge from then on

Focuses on the continuity of being in control from a specific point.

After taking the helm

Uses a metaphor for taking control, particularly in an organizational setting.

FAQs

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

You can use "once in command" to describe actions or decisions made after someone has taken control, such as, "Once in command, she reorganized the entire department".

What are some alternatives to "once in command"?

Some alternatives include phrases like "after assuming control", "upon taking charge", or "when in control", each highlighting a slightly different aspect of authority and timing.

Is "once in command" formal or informal?

"Once in command" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it's more common in news and historical narratives. Alternatives like "having assumed authority" might be preferred in highly formal settings.

What is the difference between "once in command" and "in command"?

"In command" describes the current state of holding authority, while "once in command" refers to the point when that authority was assumed. For instance, "He is currently "in command"", versus "Once in command, he changed the strategy".