were commanded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were commanded" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is instructed or ordered to do something, typically in a formal or authoritative manner. Example: "The soldiers were commanded to assemble at dawn for the briefing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They were commanded by superior officers.

The New York Times

Owners were commanded to take care of their weapons.

The New York Times - Books

Others were commanded to check in postage-stamp-sized purses.

The Guardian - Travel

In March, even small boys were commanded to wear turbans to school.

The New York Times

He intended to enlist with the rebels, who were commanded by Fidel Castro.

The New Yorker

In Nizhny Novgorod, top officials were commanded to take up volleyball and swimming.

The New York Times

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

The New York Times

The Athenians were commanded by 10 generals, the most daring of whom was Miltiades.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At the graduation ceremony in Kobanî, the conscripts were commanded to stand against "our enemies in Turkey".

The New Yorker

Children were commanded to eat the hearts of dead children, and those who refused were tortured beyond describing".

The Guardian - Arts

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

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were commanded" when you want to emphasize the authority or source of the order, rather than the action itself. It's particularly effective in historical or formal contexts where a clear chain of command is relevant.

Common error

Avoid using "were commanded" when the active voice is more appropriate and direct. For instance, instead of "The soldiers were commanded by the general", using "The general commanded the soldiers" provides a clearer and more concise expression of agency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were commanded" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject received an order or instruction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it correctly and effectively conveys that individuals or entities were subject to a directive. The numerous examples demonstrate its wide application across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Wiki

33%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Science

7%

Huffington Post

5%

Vice

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "were commanded" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase indicating that someone received an order or instruction. As Ludwig AI confirms, its passive voice construction emphasizes the authority behind the command, making it suitable for formal and historical contexts. The phrase is most commonly found in news media, encyclopedias and wiki sources. When writing, remember to use it to highlight the source of authority and consider active voice alternatives for more direct and concise expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were instructed

Emphasizes the act of giving instructions rather than direct orders.

were ordered

Highlights the authoritative nature of the directive, similar to "commanded".

received orders

Focuses on the reception of the order, shifting the emphasis from the giver to the receiver.

were directed

Implies guidance or supervision, suggesting a less forceful instruction.

were told

A more informal way of indicating that someone received instructions.

were required

Indicates a necessity or obligation to perform a task.

were compelled

Highlights the feeling of obligation or force behind the action.

were authorized

Emphasizes the permission or power granted to carry out an action.

were charged with

Focuses on the responsibility or duty assigned to someone.

were given the responsibility

Highlights the entrusting of a specific duty or task.

FAQs

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

You can use "were commanded" to indicate that someone or something received orders. For example, "The troops "were commanded" to retreat" or "The ships "were commanded" to set sail at dawn".

What's a more informal way to say "were commanded"?

If you're looking for a less formal alternative to "were commanded", you could use phrases like "were told", "were asked", or "received instructions", depending on the context.

Is "were commanded" the same as "were requested"?

No, "were commanded" implies a higher level of authority and obligation than "were requested". To be "commanded" suggests an order that must be followed, while a "request" is more of a polite ask that allows for refusal.

What is the difference between "were commanded" and "were instructed"?

"Were commanded" suggests a direct order from a superior, whereas "were instructed" implies guidance or teaching. For example, soldiers "were commanded" by their officer, while students "were instructed" by their teacher.