command
verb (used with object)
to direct with specific authority or prerogative; order.
had commanded
-
past perfectof command.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Robert Anderson and the soldiers he had commanded at Fort Sumter sailed for New York.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 3, 2026
The Tobacco Control Act had commanded the agency to develop graphics “depicting the negative health consequences of smoking,” but now the courts were saying the graphics couldn’t be too provocative and couldn’t “evoke emotion.”
From Slate ● Jun. 12, 2023
The admiral had commanded the Pacific Fleet since 2012.
From Washington Times ● Apr. 20, 2023
The conquest by the Aksumites in the 520s was followed by the rule of Abraha, the Ethiopian who had commanded the Aksumite forces.
From Textbooks ● Apr. 19, 2023
I felt a sudden, strange kinship with Hillari Kimble: I understood why she had commanded Stargirl not to sing to her.
From "Stargirl" by Jerry Spinelli
