power to command

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "power to command" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing authority, control, or influence over others or situations. Example: "The leader's power to command respect from his team was evident during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Reason lacks power to command, judge, or reform behavior.

The New Yorker

However, Great Britain was the first European power to command the systematic exploration of the region.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Government consists essentially of the power to command, as expressed in the making of laws.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It's dominant position in the x86 space give Intel the pricing power to command high margins.

The Guardian - Tech

But atomized consumers lack the power to command a decent price for this informational property.

The New York Times - Magazine

She also argued that the president had more power to command agency decisions than many scholars believed.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Government bodies e.g., Parliament or the judiciary can be limited by constitutional law, but the sovereign people remain unlimited in their powers to command.

SEP

This resulted in what Sen called a shift in "entitlements": labourers had suffered a reduction in their ability to command power over food.

The Guardian - Books

Some examples of a value and its corresponding behavior include the value of power -- people who value power seek to command others or to lead.

Huffington Post

An admiral, for example, has the power-right to relieve a captain of her power-right to command a ship.

SEP

When she rose to power, Ms. Pelosi liked to command attention by telling reporters that she was using her "mother-of-five voice".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "power to command", ensure that the subject possessing the power is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify 'the president's power to command the military' rather than just 'the power to command'.

Common error

Avoid using "power to command" without specifying the source or legitimacy of that power. Claiming someone has "power to command" without context can imply unwarranted authority or control.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "power to command" functions as a noun phrase followed by an infinitive, typically acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It denotes the capacity or authority to issue directives and expect compliance. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a standard and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

24%

Science

16%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "power to command" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that signifies the ability or authority to issue directives and expect compliance. Ludwig AI confirms that it’s correct and applicable across different domains. Analysis of usage patterns reveals its frequent appearance in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Scientific contexts, demonstrating its broad applicability. While alternatives like "authority to direct" or "ability to control" exist, the choice depends on the desired nuance. When employing this phrase, ensure the source of power is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

authority to direct

Replaces "power" with "authority", emphasizing the legitimacy of the command.

ability to control

Substitutes "power" with "ability" and "command" with "control", focusing on the capacity to manage a situation.

capacity to govern

Replaces "power" with "capacity" and "command" with "govern", suggesting a broader scope of influence.

right to order

Emphasizes the entitlement to give instructions.

license to lead

Suggests a formal permission to guide and direct.

prerogative to dictate

Highlights an exclusive right to issue directives.

influence to enforce

Focuses on the ability to ensure compliance through influence.

clout to direct actions

Uses informal language to describe the impact on others' actions.

resources to manage

Emphasizes the elements and capabilities needed for directing resources.

supreme control over

Highlights the dominance and control over entities.

FAQs

How can I use "power to command" in a sentence?

You can use "power to command" to describe someone's ability or authority to give orders or exert control. For example: "The general had the "power to command" all troops in the region."

What are some alternatives to "power to command"?

Alternatives to "power to command" include "authority to direct", "ability to control", or "capacity to govern", depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "power to command" and "right to order"?

"Power to command" generally refers to the ability to enforce directives, while "right to order" implies a legitimate or legal entitlement to give instructions, regardless of the ability to enforce them.

Is it better to use "power to command" or "leadership skills" when describing someone's ability to lead?

It depends on the context. "Power to command" emphasizes authority and control, while "leadership skills" focuses on the ability to inspire and guide others. Choose the phrase that best reflects the specific qualities you want to highlight.