subject to command

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "subject to command" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone or something is under the authority or control of a command or directive. Example: "The troops are subject to command from their superior officers at all times."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The rare measure, called civil mobilization, effectively makes the drivers members of the armed forces and therefore subject to command.

The New York Times

"Lawful combatants are members of organized forces who wear distinctive insignia, are subject to command and are capable of complying with laws of war," said Anne-Marie Slaughter, a professor of international law at the Harvard Law School.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The interface should receive efferent commands from the subject to control hand movements, obviating the discomfort of the current EMG-based control prosthesis, and should encode the signals from the artificial sensors and provide afferent stimulation to the subject.

Biological Cybernetics

Thus, even though these actors share common goals, they are not subject to direct command; hierarchy alone is a poor tool to respond to disaster.

Journal of International Humanitarian Action

The reform of Abdoulwehhab being admitted by Ibn Saaoud, was embraced by all the tribes subject to his command.

Huffington Post

During the time that the robot is gone, Antimony meets a creature named Reynardine, who tries to take over her body but, by accident, instead becomes trapped in the body of a stuffed animal she carries; and becomes subject to her command.

Wikipedia

PCTs remained subject to hierarchical command from both the department and SHA, impeding the full transfer of regulatory functions to Monitor and the Care Quality Commission [ 20].

BMC Health Services Research

It states that a political authority is legitimate only if it has the consent of those who are subject to its commands.

SEP

Suppose that the regime is tyrannical, inept, or simply so unjust that only a Hobbesian would maintain that those subject to its commands have a moral obligation to obey.

SEP

He draws an analogy with a person who has been carried involuntarily onto a ship by others and who now finds himself on the ship subject to the commands of the captain and whose only alternative is to throw himself into a stormy sea.

SEP

The decoded commands allowed volunteer subjects to control an external device in real-time through their mental intentions.

Measurement

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "subject to command" when indicating that an entity or individual is under the authority and control of a superior or directive. Ensure the context clearly defines who holds the command and who is subject to it.

Common error

Avoid using "subject to command" when the relationship is advisory rather than authoritative. The phrase implies a direct line of control and obligation, not merely influence or suggestion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "subject to command" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating a state of being under the authority or control of a directive. As confirmed by Ludwig, this implies an obligation to obey orders. Examples show its use in military, legal, and organizational contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "subject to command" is a grammatically correct and common way to express that an individual or entity is under the authority of a superior. According to Ludwig, this phrase indicates a clear hierarchical relationship and the obligation to follow directives. It is most frequently used in News & Media and Science, often with a formal or neutral tone. When writing, it's crucial to ensure the context clearly defines who holds the command and who is subjected to it to avoid any confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under the command of

Specifies the person or entity exercising control.

подчинение

Translation of 'subordination' in Russian. This is the most common way to express this meaning.

under orders from

Highlights that the actions are dictated by specific instructions.

at the behest of

Indicates that the action is performed because someone requested or ordered it.

governed by

Focuses on the rules or principles that dictate behavior.

controlled by

Emphasizes the act of being actively managed or directed.

answerable to

Highlights the responsibility to explain or justify actions to someone.

bound by

Implies a legal or moral obligation to follow commands.

at the mercy of

Suggests a lack of control and vulnerability to someone's whims.

liable to

States that someone is legally responsible.

FAQs

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

Use "subject to command" to indicate that an individual or group is under the authority of a superior. For example, "The soldiers are subject to command from their officer." Consider alternatives like "under the command of" for similar meanings.

What's the difference between "subject to command" and "under the control of"?

"Subject to command" specifically implies a hierarchical structure and the obligation to obey directives. "Under the control of" is broader and can refer to various forms of influence or management. For example, a machine might be "controlled by" a computer, but not necessarily "subject to its command".

Are there any formal alternatives to "subject to command"?

Yes, formal alternatives include "under orders from" or "at the behest of". These options often appear in official or legal contexts.

Is it correct to say "subject to commands"?

While grammatically possible, "subject to commands" is less common than "subject to command". The singular form emphasizes a general state of being under authority, while the plural might suggest specific, individual orders. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.