Meaning & use
commands
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“commands” is a form of “command”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
nounplural
Orders or instructions that someone must follow, especially from a person in authority.
Grammar: Always plural in this sense; the singular 'command' refers to one order.
Patterns
- give commands
- follow commands
- obey commands
The general gave his commands clearly and calmly.
Soldiers are trained to follow commands without hesitation.
The dog responded to a series of hand commands.
nounpluralcomputing
Instructions typed into a computer to make it perform a specific action.
Grammar: Used in computing; the singular 'command' is one instruction.
Patterns
- type commands
- run commands
- enter commands
You can open the program by typing a few commands.
The technician entered commands to restart the server.
These commands are written in a simple programming language.
nounpluraltechnical
In grammar, the form of a verb used to give an order or instruction.
Grammar: Used in language teaching; often called 'imperatives'.
Patterns
- use commands
- form commands
In English, commands often begin with the base form of the verb.
The teacher explained how to make polite commands with 'please'.
verbtransitive
Third-person singular present of 'command': gives an order or has authority over.
Grammar: Used with he, she, it, or a singular noun as subject.
Patterns
- someone commands something
- someone commands someone to do something
She commands the respect of her entire team.
The general commands his troops to advance.
Word forms
| singular | command |
|---|
Common combinations
- give commands
- The captain gave commands to the crew.
- follow commands
- The robot follows commands given by voice.
- type commands
- You need to type commands into the terminal.
- issue commands
- The software issues commands to the printer.
Synonyms and how they differ
- orders
- Very similar, but 'orders' is more general and can be used in everyday situations; 'commands' often suggests military or official authority.
- instructions
- Used for directions on how to do something, often step by step; 'commands' are more authoritative and must be obeyed.
Opposites
Word family
- command verb
- To give an order or to have control over.
- commander noun
- A person in charge of a group, especially in the military.
- commanding adjective
- Having a strong, impressive presence or authority.
Commonly confused: commands or command?
commands vs command
The singular form refers to one order or one instruction; 'commands' is plural or third-person singular.
Practice
In English grammar, ______ are sentences that tell someone to do something.
Choose one answer.
The plural noun 'commands' is used here to refer to imperative sentences. 'Command' is singular and would need 'a' or 'the'.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “commands”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.