strong command of English

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "strong command of English" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone's proficiency or fluency in the English language, often in contexts like job applications or assessments of language skills. Example: "The candidate demonstrated a strong command of English during the interview, impressing us with their articulate responses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Coaching was one option, but without a strong command of English, he had a hard time finding work.

The New York Times - Sports

"It can be disruptive for a parent to receive a phone call on the job," he says, and those without a strong command of English may feel more comfortable composing messages in writing.

The New York Times

In his court appearances, Mr. Moussaoui has proved himself intelligent, with a strong command of English from his years of graduate school in Britain, where he is believed to have come under the sway of Muslim radicals at a London mosque where Al Qaeda recruited several terrorists.

The New York Times

Critics of the tighter admissions policies expressed concerns that CUNY would now be turning away those students who needed its help the most, including many poorly educated minority and immigrant applicants who did not yet have a strong command of English.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Born in Guatemala in 1971, Halfon writes in Spanish but has a firm command of English.

The New York Times - Books

'He doesn't have a strong command of the English language when he calls me a plod,' he said of Healey's outburst.

The Guardian - Sport

Part of that effort, however, is a strong command of the English language.

Huffington Post

The strong command of the English language, recognized quality of training and years of experience with which they come also gives them natural advantages, compared to foreign-trained physicians from non-English-speaking countries.

Human Resources for Health

And it does not mean that I think it's OK for any student to emerge from a public education in the United States without the benefit of a strong command of written and spoken language, not only English but ideally one or more others as well.

Huffington Post

He has a strong command of detail and a sense of humor, albeit a sardonic one.

The New York Times

He had strong command of mathematical language.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing language skills in a professional context, use "strong command of English" to convey competence and confidence. For example, "The candidate's strong command of English was evident during the presentation."

Common error

Avoid using "strong command of English" when a more nuanced description of specific language skills (e.g., writing, speaking, comprehension) would be more appropriate. Instead, specify the area of strength.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strong command of English" functions as a descriptive term, highlighting a person's proficiency and skill level in using the English language. As Ludwig AI's analysis suggests, it's a straightforward way to convey linguistic competence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "strong command of English" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to describe proficiency in the English language. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for formal and professional settings and appears frequently in news articles, scientific publications, and business communications. While alternatives like "proficient in English" or "fluent in English" exist, "strong command of English" effectively conveys a high level of competence. To best demonstrate this skill, focus on precise vocabulary, grammatical accuracy, and clear articulation in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

proficient in English

Focuses on overall competence and skill level in English.

fluent in English

Emphasizes the ease and naturalness of speaking and writing in English.

excellent grasp of English

Highlights a thorough understanding and control of the English language.

good command of English

A slightly less intense version of "strong command", indicating a solid but not necessarily exceptional level of skill.

high level of English proficiency

A more formal way of expressing advanced English skills.

mastery of the English language

Suggests a very advanced, near-native level of competence.

adept at English communication

Emphasizes practical communication skills in English.

skilled in English

Highlights specific skills within the English language, such as writing or speaking.

effective English communication skills

Focuses on the ability to communicate clearly and efficiently in English.

well-versed in English

Indicates broad knowledge and experience with the English language.

FAQs

How to demonstrate a "strong command of English" in an interview?

Demonstrate a "strong command of English" by using precise vocabulary, constructing grammatically correct sentences, and articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Providing specific examples of successful communication in English can further underscore your proficiency.

What can I say instead of "strong command of English"?

You can use alternatives like "proficient in English", "fluent in English", or "excellent grasp of English" depending on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is "strong command of English" formal or informal?

"Strong command of English" is generally considered suitable for formal and professional contexts, such as resumes, job applications, and academic papers. It effectively conveys a high level of language proficiency.

What does it mean to have a "strong command of English"?

Having a "strong command of English" means possessing a high level of proficiency in the language, including grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and communication skills. It indicates the ability to use English effectively and confidently in various contexts.