vying for command

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vying for command" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where individuals or groups are competing for control or leadership over something. Example: "In the boardroom, several executives were vying for command of the new project, each presenting their vision to the stakeholders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The men's semifinal lineup is also set, and the four players involved include the three men vying for command of the game and the surprise of the tournament: the unseeded Frenchman Gaël Monfils.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

For now, he commands one of several forces vying for control of Tripoli, including the battle-hardened militias from Misurata and Zintan, which continue to occupy areas of the capital under their own commanders.

The New York Times

The factions are vying for control of the party.

Vice

Numerous pro- and anti-apoptotic signals exist and vie for control within the cell.

Chinese Journal of Cancer

A war implies two sides vying for supremacy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Seeing the road through the eyes of a ground-truther made it seem a thicket of signage — commands and designations vying for attention, like a nightmare you might have after a day of studying for a driving exam.

The New Yorker

All vying for attention!

The New Yorker

Everyone is vying for first-mover advantage.

The Economist

Several different standards are vying for supremacy.

The Economist

"We circulated around her, vying for attention.

The New Yorker

Then, Russia and England were vying for power.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "vying for command" when you want to convey a sense of active competition and striving for a leadership role. It's suitable for describing situations where individuals or groups are actively trying to gain control or influence.

Common error

Avoid using "vying for command" to describe situations where there's no actual competition or when the goal isn't explicitly about achieving a position of control. For example, don't say "They were vying for attention" if they were simply seeking help or recognition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vying for command" functions as a verb phrase with a prepositional phrase, indicating an action (vying) directed towards a specific goal (command). It describes the act of competing or contending for a position of leadership or authority. Ludwig shows examples of similar usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "vying for command" is a phrase used to describe a situation where individuals or groups are actively competing for a position of leadership or authority. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides examples of its usage primarily in the context of news and media. While it's a valid and descriptive phrase, it's important to use it in contexts where there's actual competition for a position of control. Alternatives such as ""competing for leadership"" or "striving for authority" can be used to express similar meanings in varying degrees of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Competing for leadership

Focuses more directly on the act of competing and implies a leadership role is the goal.

Battling for control

Emphasizes the struggle and potential conflict involved in gaining control.

Striving for dominance

Highlights the ambition to achieve a superior position over others.

Contending for authority

Similar to "vying for command" but uses more formal vocabulary.

Seeking supremacy

Implies a quest for the highest level of power and influence.

Fighting for supremacy

Conveys a more aggressive and determined effort to achieve top position.

In contention for leadership

More formal and emphasizes the state of being in the running for a leadership position.

Challenging for supremacy

Suggests a direct challenge to an existing power structure.

Jockeying for position

Implies strategic maneuvering to gain an advantageous position.

Clawing for power

Emphasizes the ruthless pursuit of power.

FAQs

How can I use "vying for command" in a sentence?

"Vying for command" describes a situation where individuals or groups are competing for a leadership position. For instance: "Several candidates are "competing for leadership" within the organization."

What's a good alternative to "vying for command"?

Depending on the specific context, you could use phrases like "competing for control", "seeking dominance", or "striving for authority".

Is "vying for command" a formal or informal expression?

"Vying for command" can be used in both formal and neutral contexts, but it's typically found in more analytical or descriptive writing rather than casual conversation.

What is the difference between "vying for command" and "competing for power"?

"Vying for command" specifically implies a competition for a leadership role or position of authority, whereas "competing for power" is a broader term that can refer to any struggle for influence or control, not necessarily within a formal hierarchy.