poor command of language

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "poor command of language" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's lack of proficiency or skill in using a language effectively. Example: "Despite his intelligence, he struggled to express his ideas clearly due to his poor command of language."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The suitability of using children as translators is often called into question in the manuals for treating people with a poor command of language [ 11, 19], although there has been little specific research on the subject, and most of it considers the issue from the perspective of professionals [ 15- 17, 23].

Globalization and Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Colloquial language problems also betrayed DNC hacker Guccifer 2.0, who claimed to be Romanian but had a poor command of the language.

Vice

As a result, young Japanese have a poor command of honorific language and do not feel compelled to use it.

The New York Times

Cohen [ 16] mentions it as a minor and unavoidable problem in his work with general practitioners, if the aim is to provide care for adults with a poor command of the language.

Globalization and Health

They may be asked to conduct conversation practice in small groups and/or help students from underprivileged communities with a poor command of the English language.

University of California, Berkeley

In the case of France, for example, this situation can be explained in part by their poor command of the French language (Dos Santos 2005) and by ethnic discrimination (Rebzani and De Koning 2009).

IZA Journal of Migration

She was conscious of her poor command of the English language, and struggled to "fit in".

Wikipedia

Exclusion criteria included: (1) inability to complete assessment questionnaires; (2) poor command of the Portuguese language; (3) severe cognitive deterioration; (4) neurological disorders; (5) comorbid drug or alcohol abuse or dependence.

BMC Psychiatry

(GP14, regularly)." Moreover, in the experience of some of the professionals, the tradition of consanguineous marriage in the immigrant communities often coexists with a poor command of the Dutch language, and therefore they often refrain from serious attempts to inform their clients.

BMC Family Practice

However, patients were excluded if they were less than 18 years, unwilling to participate in the study, or unable to self-complete the German version of the questionnaire because of their mental or physical condition or poor command of the German language.

British Journal of Cancer

The other 138 patients could either not be contacted (N = 56), or were unable to participate for several reasons: too difficult to get to the clinic (N = 27), illness (N = 17), poor command of the Dutch language (N = 5), unknown (N = 13), other reasons (N = 20).

Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing language skills, be specific about the area of deficiency (e.g., writing, speaking, comprehension) rather than simply stating ""poor command of language"". This provides a more precise understanding of the individual's challenges.

Common error

Avoid using ""poor command of language"" as a blanket statement. Instead, identify the specific linguistic areas where the individual struggles, such as grammar, vocabulary, or pronunciation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "poor command of language" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically used to indicate someone's lack of proficiency or skill in using a particular language effectively. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English. Examples show its application across various contexts to describe language limitations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

33%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "poor command of language" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe someone's limited proficiency in a language. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various domains including science, news, and academia. While the phrase is generally acceptable, being specific about the area of language deficiency (e.g., writing, speaking, or comprehension) can provide a clearer understanding. Alternatives like "limited language proficiency" or "developing language skills" may be more appropriate in formal settings. When using the phrase, avoid overgeneralization and focus on the specific linguistic challenges faced by the individual.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited language proficiency

Focuses on the degree of skill rather than implying a deficiency.

weak language skills

Emphasizes the lack of strength in language abilities.

inadequate language skills

Highlights the insufficiency of language abilities for a particular purpose.

deficient in language skills

A more formal way of saying lacking in language skills.

lacking fluency in the language

Specifically addresses the lack of smooth and effortless language use.

struggling with language

Emphasizes the difficulty experienced in using the language.

limited grasp of language

Focuses on the level of understanding and comprehension.

rudimentary language skills

Indicates a basic or undeveloped level of language ability.

basic language abilities

Highlights a level of plain skills.

imperfect language skills

Highlights a level of language skills that aren't perfect.

FAQs

What are some alternative ways to say "poor command of language"?

You can use alternatives like "limited language proficiency", "weak language skills", or "inadequate language skills" depending on the context.

How can I improve my "poor command of language"?

Focus on consistent practice, targeted vocabulary building, and grammar exercises. Immersion in the language through reading, listening, and speaking can also be highly beneficial.

Is it appropriate to use the phrase "poor command of language" in a formal setting?

While grammatically correct, it may be more tactful to use phrases like "limited language proficiency" or "developing language skills" in formal or professional contexts.

What factors contribute to a "poor command of language"?

Lack of exposure, insufficient practice, learning disabilities, or differences in educational background can all contribute to a limited command of a language.