under command

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "under command" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone or something is being directed or controlled by a person or authority. Example: "The troops were under command of the general during the operation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Refusing to appear in Rome under command of Pope Paul IV, he was condemned in 1558.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The number of Japanese defenders on the island, under command of Lieutenant General Kuribayashi Tadamichi, was more than 20,000.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She is, rather, in a state of discipline, under command, subordinated to the ultimate patriarchal control system.

The Guardian - Opinion

"By exploring the alternative, we can gain substantially more progress than under command and control," he said.

The New York Times

The Confederate forces were under command of Maj.

Wikipedia

An additional eight were placed under command of Finck.

Wikipedia

The British mission under command of Thomson arrived in Karabakh in December 1918.

Wikipedia

In 1882, she became flagship for the Pacific division under command of Rear Admiral Landolfe.

Wikipedia

After Neuwied, he was transferred to the Army of England under command of Lazare Hoche.

Wikipedia

The 52nd stormed the breach at Cannanore, under command of Sir Martin Hunter.

Wikipedia

It was placed under command of Captain Jesse Tidwell and executive officer Captain Bob Channon.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing historical narratives, use “under command” to denote who was responsible for a specific unit or group's actions during a particular event.

Common error

Avoid using "under command" when you mean "in command". "Under command" signifies being subject to someone else's authority, while "in command" signifies having the authority to direct others. For example, a general is "in command" of an army, while soldiers are "under command" of the general.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under command" functions as a prepositional phrase, often modifying nouns or verbs to indicate a state of being controlled or directed by someone. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically correct expression used to denote hierarchical or authoritative relationships.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

37%

News & Media

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "under command" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It specifies a state of being controlled or directed by an authority, commonly found in professional, military, and historical contexts. While versatile, it's crucial to distinguish it from "in command", which denotes having the authority to direct others. Various alternatives, such as "subject to orders" or "under the authority of", can be used depending on the specific nuance desired. With a source quality score of 70 and an expert rating of 4.1, its usage is consistent and well-supported across diverse sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under the authority of

Focuses on the legitimacy and power behind the direction.

subject to orders

This alternative highlights the obligation to follow instructions.

led by

Highlights the leadership aspect of the directing individual or group.

controlled by

This focuses on the aspect of being managed or regulated.

supervised by

Focuses on the oversight and monitoring of activities.

reporting to

This indicates a hierarchical relationship where one is accountable to another.

governed by

Indicates rule-based control and administration.

at the direction of

This emphasizes that actions are performed based on someone's guidance.

answerable to

This implies responsibility and accountability to a higher authority.

guided by

Implies a more supportive and less forceful form of direction.

FAQs

How is "under command" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "under command" is used to indicate that someone or something is being directed or controlled by a person or authority. For example, "The troops were "under command" of the general during the operation."

What are some alternatives to using "under command"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "under control", "subject to orders", or "under the authority of".

What is the difference between "under command" and "in command"?

"Under command" means being subject to someone's authority, while "in command" means having the authority to direct others. A subordinate is "under command", while a leader is "in command".

Is "under command" formal or informal language?

"Under command" is generally considered neutral to formal language and is appropriate for professional, military, and official contexts. While understandable in informal settings, other alternatives may be preferred.