Cool MateCommand vs Injunction
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Command
Top 1,000 (very common)B2noun
Injunction
FormalBeyond 10,000 (less common)
Most formal: InjunctionMost common: Command
| Command | Injunction | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/kəˈmɑːnd/"]/🇺🇸 /["/kəˈmænd/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ɪnˈdʒʌŋkʃən//🇺🇸 //ɪnˈdʒʌŋkʃən// |
| Meaning | An order to do something. | A legal order to stop someone from doing something. |
| Example | Her ability to command attention in the classroom is impressive. | The court issued an injunction to stop the construction immediately. |
| Register | Neutral | Formal |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | - |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| Collocations | basic, simple, carry out, obey, disobey, at somebody’s command, your wish is my command, spoken, verbal, voice, enter, type, use, line, prompt, complete, full, total, have, assume, take, centre/center, chair, deck, in command, in command of, under somebody’s command, the chain of command, the line of command, excellent, fluent, good, have, demonstrate, show, at your command, command of | file an injunction, violate an injunction, obtain an injunction, grant an injunction, issue an injunction |
| Antonyms | submission, compliance, inaction | - |
| Common mistakes | 'Command' is confused with 'demand' but is less aggressive., Learners often use 'command' without an object, forgetting it typically requires one., Mispronouncing 'command' as 'comand'. | Confused with 'interjection', which is unrelated., Used incorrectly as a verb; 'injunction' is a noun., Misunderstood as only a restriction; it can also allow certain actions. |
| Usage notes | Use 'command' when giving direct instructions, especially in formal contexts like military or authority. Avoid in casual conversations where 'ask' or 'request' might be more appropriate. | Used mainly in legal contexts. It's formal and not suitable for casual conversations. Common in court or legal documents. |
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Frequently asked questions: Command vs Injunction
What's the difference between Command and Injunction?
Command: An order to do something. Injunction: A legal order to stop someone from doing something.
Which is more formal: Command and Injunction?
Injunction is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Command and Injunction?
Command is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Command: Her ability to command attention in the classroom is impressive. Injunction: The court issued an injunction to stop the construction immediately.
Can I use Command and Injunction interchangeably?
Not always. Command and Injunction are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.