command: countable or uncountable?

lost_soul · Mon Oct 22, 2007 8:38 am *command: countable or uncountable?*

Hi,

What kind of noun is "command" (in the meaning of "knowledge"): countable or uncountable?
From what I have seen, it is countable.
He has a good command of German

but in the dictionary entry for this noun, it is stated that

KLPNO · Mon Oct 22, 2007 8:52 am *command: countable or uncountable?*

I'm not sure but I think that 'S' stands for 'singular.'

lost_soul · Mon Oct 22, 2007 8:55 am *command: countable or uncountable?*

Then why do S(singular) and U(uncountable) stand in line like they are mutually exclusive?
Is it because "command" can be either countable singular or uncountable...
If so, I'd be grateful if someone gave me an example where "command" is uncountable...
That's a mystery to me ...
_________________
Alex

"Noone has ever escaped from Stalag 13"
Colonel Klink, Kommandant of Stalag 13

KLPNO · Mon Oct 22, 2007 9:02 am *command: countable or uncountable?*

Alex, I just looked this word up in the Oxford Advanced Learner's dictionary:

KNOWLEDGE
5 [U, sing.] ~ (of sth) your knowledge of sth; your ability to do or use sth, especially a language: Applicants will be expected to have (a) good command of English.

KLPNO · Mon Oct 22, 2007 9:15 am *command: countable or uncountable?*

lost_soul · Mon Oct 22, 2007 9:18 am *command: countable or uncountable?*

Hi, KLPNO

Thank you, you did a good research job ! Smile

But I'd like to ask native English speakers if these 2 sentences sound equally good:

1. He has good command of English
2. He has a good command of English

Thanks !
_________________
Alex

"Noone has ever escaped from Stalag 13"
Colonel Klink, Kommandant of Stalag 13

Nicholas · Mon Oct 22, 2007 9:36 am *command: countable or uncountable?*

Mister Micawber · Mon Oct 22, 2007 9:57 am *command: countable or uncountable?*

.
I think they're both OK, with the countable version much more prevalent. The uncountable, I think, appears more often in some collocations, like 'in command of' and 'have command'.
.
_________________
Canadian-American native speaker
who teaches English for a living at Mister Micawber's
ESL cafe: Interview with Mr. Micawber

lost_soul · Mon Oct 22, 2007 13:15 pm *command: countable or uncountable?*

Thank you !

I have no more questions. The prosecution rests.
_________________
Alex

"Noone has ever escaped from Stalag 13"
Colonel Klink, Kommandant of Stalag 13

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