takes command of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "takes command of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone assuming control or leadership over a situation, group, or task. Example: "When the previous manager left, Sarah quickly takes command of the team and ensures that all projects stay on track."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

He is temporarily demoted from captain to commander and first officer when Kirk takes command of the Enterprise.

Wikipedia

Soon after he takes command of the destroyer-minesweeper U.S.S.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Colonel Fuentes, 52, takes command of the force during a particularly tumultuous period.

The New York Times

She straps herself in, swats aside any vestige of Mark Hamill, and takes command of the movie.

The New Yorker

René Jacobs, in his recording of "Figaro," takes command of a familiar masterwork by reinvigorating every phrase.

The New Yorker

Also, she has a problem with that alien Other -- the intervening reader who takes command of the entire text.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

For his efforts Jervis was promoted commander and took command of.

Wikipedia

Amongst them was Lieutenant Commander Zenji Orita, who took command of I-177 after Nakagawa.

Wikipedia

In 1968 he took command of the 4th Tactical Fighter Wing.

Encyclopedia Britannica

By then, Ceku had taken command of the K.L.A.

The New Yorker

In June 1917 he took command of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "takes command of" to clearly indicate the act of assuming authority or control, especially in situations involving leadership or responsibility. For example, "The new CEO takes command of the company's strategic direction."

Common error

Overusing "takes command of" in passive voice can weaken your writing. Instead of saying "The project was taken command of by the team lead", prefer the active voice: "The team lead takes command of the project".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "takes command of" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of assuming control, leadership, or authority. As demonstrated in the Ludwig examples, it describes situations where someone actively steps into a position of power or responsibility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

23%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "takes command of" is a versatile expression used to describe the assumption of control or leadership. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, especially in news, encyclopedias, and wiki contexts. While alternatives like "assumes control of" or "takes charge of" exist, "takes command of" provides a clear and neutral way to indicate the act of assuming authority or responsibility. It's essential to use it actively to strengthen your writing and avoid passive constructions for greater impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assumes control of

Focuses on the act of gaining control, rather than necessarily leading.

takes charge of

Highlights the act of assuming responsibility and initiative.

assumes leadership of

Emphasizes the role of leading and directing others.

takes control over

Similar to assuming control, but specifies the target of the control.

seizes control of

Suggests a more forceful or sudden acquisition of control.

takes the reins of

Implies guiding and directing, often in a figurative sense.

steps into leadership

Focuses on the transition into a leadership position.

takes over

A more general term for assuming responsibility or control.

becomes the leader of

States the resulting state of being a leader.

takes responsibility for

Highlights the acceptance of accountability for something.

FAQs

What does "takes command of" mean?

The phrase "takes command of" means to assume control or leadership over something, whether it's a project, a team, or a situation. It implies directing and managing effectively.

What can I say instead of "takes command of"?

You can use alternatives like "assumes control of", "takes charge of", or "assumes leadership of" depending on the context.

Is "takes command of" formal or informal?

"Takes command of" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal settings might prefer alternatives like "assumes responsibility for".

How do I use "takes command of" in a sentence?

Use "takes command of" when you want to emphasize the act of someone assuming control or leadership. For example, "The captain takes command of the ship" or "She takes command of the project after the previous manager resigned."