they were commanded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they were commanded" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone being given an order or directive by an authority figure or group. Example: "The soldiers were commanded to stand down and await further instructions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

They were commanded by superior officers.

The New York Times

MAJOR MURRAY: You knew that they were commanded by SD members, did you not?

Yale University

When NATO dispatched troops to Bosnia in 1995, they were commanded by an American.

The New York Times

Although they were commanded to work together, the purpose of co-operation was less obvious, and less likely to happen.

The Guardian - Opinion

After all, they point out, Christians believe they were commanded by Jesus to spread the faith and do so in a selfless, often courageous way.

The New York Times

Ironically, they were commanded by Gen. Harry Heth, alongside whom Buford had fought during the campaign against the Sioux in the mid-1850s.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

"More than holding up, they were commanding the room, they were greeting and introducing," Mr. Fields said.

The New York Times

Fraudsters can be both persistent and overbearing, and not all the people who went into accountancy firms out of university did so because they were commanding, alpha-type personalities.

The Guardian

In fact, their passion for exploring and leading expeditions to remote regions of the planet was forged while they were commanding British military reconnaissance units in active war-zones.

Forbes

While the consuls had supreme military authority, they had to be provided with financial resources by the Roman Senate while they were commanding their armies.

Wikipedia

In the end, one suspects shareholders will do as they are commanded.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add variety, you can replace "they were commanded" with synonyms like "they were ordered" or "they were instructed", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Common error

Avoid using "they were commanded" without specifying the commander. This can make the sentence vague and reduce its impact. Always clarify who issued the command to maintain clarity and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they were commanded" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject (they) received an order or directive. Ludwig examples show it's used to describe actions taken under authority.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Academia

18%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

9%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they were commanded" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive construction indicating that a group received an order. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage across various contexts. It's most prevalent in news and media, academia, and wiki sources. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying who issued the command to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "they were ordered" or "they were instructed" for nuanced expression. Remember to avoid overuse to maintain variety in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they were ordered

A more direct and forceful synonym for "commanded".

they received orders

Focuses on the reception of the command rather than the act of commanding.

they were under orders

Emphasizes that the group was subject to commands.

they were instructed

Emphasizes guidance and teaching as opposed to strict orders.

they were given instructions

Focuses on the act of receiving explicit instructions.

they were directed

Highlights the guidance aspect of the command.

they were told to

A simpler and more informal way of expressing the same idea.

they had a directive

Highlights the existence of an official instruction.

they were charged with

Suggests a responsibility or task was assigned.

they were assigned to

Focuses on being allocated a specific task by an authority.

FAQs

What does "they were commanded" mean?

The phrase "they were commanded" means that a group of people received an order or instruction from someone in authority. It indicates that they were directed to do something.

How can I use "they were commanded" in a sentence?

You can use "they were commanded" to describe a situation where a group received an order. For example: "The soldiers "they were commanded" to stand guard at the gate."

What can I say instead of "they were commanded"?

You can use alternatives like "they were ordered", "they were instructed", or "they were directed" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "they were commanded" and "they were asked"?

"They were commanded" implies an order or instruction that must be followed, while "they were asked" suggests a request that can be declined. The former denotes authority, whereas the latter implies a choice.