reasonable command of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reasonable command of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's level of proficiency or understanding in a particular subject or skill, often in the context of language or technical skills. Example: "She has a reasonable command of Spanish, allowing her to hold basic conversations with native speakers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

I think exactly what you'd expect a Canadian who lives in San Francisco to think: how could anyone with a reasonable command of the available evidence even consider voting for Donald Trump? …But my search for an answer has led me to the uncomfortable sense that the tech industry is partly responsible for Trump's support.

TechCrunch

A reasonable command of the issues.

Huffington Post

The criteria included: using untreated rainwater from an above-ground tank as the normal drinking water source; having at least four eligible household members (including at least 2 children aged 1 to 15 years); home ownership or stable rental history (12 months or more in current home); and having a reasonable command of English.

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

She is knowledgeable, with an excellent command of English and very reasonable daily rates, about $15, regardless of the number of visitors she is guiding.

The New York Times - Travel

Specialist Paul Paterson wrote on the Big Cat Monitors website that it appeared to be "a cat of reasonable size, fit and healthy, and in command of its surroundings".

The Guardian

"I keep hearing this morning that Biden was 'gaffe free' and had a 'great command of foreign policy,'" she noted, taking reasonable issue with the candidate's muddled narrative on the subject of our past dalliances with Lebanon.

Huffington Post

But Longstreet's command of the operation had for the most part, been reasonable, since taking the route he should have would have alerted the whole Union army of his assault.

Wikipedia

The command of languages!

The New York Times

I'm in command of my necessaries.

The New Yorker

Her command of the issues seems minimal.

The New Yorker

The second requisite is command of direction.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "reasonable command of" to indicate a level of skill or knowledge that is sufficient for a particular purpose, but not necessarily expert-level.

Common error

Avoid using "reasonable command of" when describing truly exceptional skills. Reserve it for situations where the level is adequate but not outstanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reasonable command of" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It usually indicates the extent to which someone understands or has mastered a particular subject or skill.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

Reasonable command of" is a phrase used to describe a sufficient but not exceptional level of proficiency or understanding in a particular subject or skill. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal settings. While not as common as some other phrases, it effectively communicates a moderate level of expertise. When using this phrase, it's essential to ensure it accurately reflects the described proficiency and avoid overstating someone's abilities. Alternatives like "adequate grasp of" or "working knowledge of" can be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fair command of

Indicates a moderate level of proficiency, as opposed to an excellent or poor command.

adequate grasp of

Replaces "reasonable command" with a synonym for understanding, indicating a sufficient but not necessarily exceptional level.

sufficient understanding of

Focuses on comprehension rather than command, implying an adequate level of knowledge.

competent knowledge of

Emphasizes competence and knowledge, suggesting a practical and effective level of understanding.

working knowledge of

Highlights the practical application of knowledge, suitable for describing skills used in a work environment.

functional proficiency in

Focuses on the ability to perform tasks effectively, particularly in a specific area.

capable handling of

Shifts the focus to the ability to manage or deal with something effectively.

acceptable mastery of

Indicates that the level of expertise, while not perfect, is good enough to meet certain standards.

serviceable knowledge of

Implies a basic level of knowledge that is sufficient for practical purposes.

basic understanding of

Suggests a foundational level of comprehension, suitable for beginners.

FAQs

What does "reasonable command of" mean?

It indicates a sufficient level of skill or knowledge to handle basic tasks or communication, but not necessarily expert-level proficiency.

How can I use "reasonable command of" in a sentence?

Example: "Applicants must have a "reasonable command of" English to participate in the study."

What are some alternatives to "reasonable command of"?

You can use alternatives like "adequate grasp of", "sufficient understanding of", or "working knowledge of" depending on the context.

Is "reasonable command of" formal or informal?

It's generally considered a neutral to slightly formal phrase, suitable for professional and academic contexts. For more informal situations, simpler terms might be more appropriate.