ENGLISH
REFERENCE

commanded

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //kəˈmændɪd// UK //kəmˈɑːndɪd// com·mand·ed

v. to give a strong, official order to someone. It can also mean that a person or thing deserves respect or attention because they are powerful.

v. to exercise authoritative control or power over others; to order with authority. Often implies a position of superiority or the ability to evoke a specific response, such as respect or a high price.


SIMPLE

The officer commanded the soldiers to halt.

CONTEXTUAL

The general commanded his troops to secure the perimeter before the sun went down.

COMPLEX

The historic cathedral commanded such a presence in the town square that every modern building nearby seemed insignificant by comparison.

Synonyms
Usage

The verb is transitive and typically takes a direct object followed by an infinitive clause ('commanded him to go').

Pitfall

He commanded to the soldiersHe commanded the soldiersCommanded is a transitive verb and does not require the preposition 'to' before the person being ordered.

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