What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dictate
Example
The boss dictated a memo to his secretary. [dictated: past tense]
Example
The terms of the contract were dictated by the company. [dictated: past participle]
command
Example
The general commanded his troops to attack. [commanded: past tense]
Example
She has a commanding presence in the boardroom. [commanding: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Command is more commonly used than dictate in everyday language. Command is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while dictate is less common and refers to a specific type of communication.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dictate and command?
Command is generally considered more formal than dictate, which can be seen as more dictatorial or authoritarian. However, both words can be used in formal or informal contexts depending on the situation and tone desired.
