under his command

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "under his command" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe somebody who is in charge or leading a group of people. For example: The army marched forward under his command.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The planes under his command when he was deputy commander for air operations in Vietnam did not include B-52s.

The New York Times

He claims to have thousands of fighters under his command.

The New York Times

He said he had 5,000 men under his command.

The New York Times

To players under his command his discipline could be frightening.

The Economist

Both were carried out by special forces under his command.

The New York Times

There were some complaints of torture under his command, but he left the province a star.

The New York Times

General Ménard had the relationship with a female master corporal under his command in Afghanistan.

The New York Times

Forces under his command laid siege to Port Hudson, La., which finally fell in July 1863.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Eighth Air Army and Twenty-first Army were also placed under his command.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Neither he nor the soldiers under his command were ever accused of misconduct.

The New York Times

Model ordered the 300,000 troops under his command to disband, and he then committed suicide.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "under his command" to clearly indicate that someone has direct authority and responsibility over a group or operation. Ensure the context provides enough information about the nature and scope of that command.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "under his command" implies absolute or unquestioned authority. The extent of the command can vary, and it's crucial to provide the necessary context to avoid misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under his command" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or verb, indicating that individuals, units, or operations are subject to a specific person's authority. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

26%

Wiki

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

9%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "under his command" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to denote that someone has direct authority and control over individuals, units, or operations. As highlighted by Ludwig, it's grammatically sound and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and wiki sources. The related phrases like "under his leadership" and "subject to his authority" provide alternative ways to express similar ideas, as well. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it's important to provide enough context to avoid misinterpretations of the scope of command. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is usable in writing for describing someone leading a group of people.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under his control

Focuses more on the aspect of direct management and manipulation.

under his leadership

Stresses the aspect of guidance and influence, not just control.

under his direction

Similar to the query, but emphasizes guidance and instruction.

within his chain of command

Highlights the structured hierarchy of authority.

subject to his authority

Focuses on the power dynamic and subordination.

serving under him

Emphasizes the act of serving and following orders.

within his jurisdiction

Emphasizes the legal or official scope of control.

reporting to him

Highlights the hierarchical structure and reporting lines.

part of his forces

Specifically refers to military units or personnel.

at his disposal

Focuses on resources and personnel available for his use.

FAQs

How can I use "under his command" in a sentence?

Use "under his command" to indicate that individuals or units are subject to someone's direct authority. For example, "The troops advanced "under his command"" shows he was leading the troops.

What are some alternatives to saying "under his command"?

You can use alternatives like "under his leadership", "under his direction", or "subject to his authority" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say 'under his command' or 'in his command'?

"Under his command" is the correct and more common usage. "In his command" is less frequent and may sound awkward to native English speakers.

What does "under his command" imply about the relationship between the leader and the subordinates?

It suggests a direct hierarchical relationship where the leader has the authority to give orders and the subordinates are expected to follow them. However, it does not necessarily imply the nature of the command or relationship, like whether it is military, corporate or something else.