Command vs. Instruction — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 26, 2024
Command implies authority and is often an order, while instruction is a detailed guide or explanation on how to do something.
Difference Between Command and Instruction
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A command is typically a directive given with authority, expecting compliance without question. Instruction, on the other hand, provides more comprehensive guidance, aiming to teach or explain how something should be done.
Commands are often brief and to the point, lacking detailed explanations. Instructions, whereas, include steps and details necessary for understanding and completing tasks.
In military or hierarchical settings, commands are crucial for quick and decisive actions. Instructions are more prevalent in educational or technical contexts, where understanding and precision are required.
Commands usually do not invite dialogue or questions; they are expected to be followed as is. Instructions, on the other hand, may encourage questions and clarifications to ensure the task is understood fully.
The tone of a command can be imperative and authoritative, while the tone of instructions is typically informative and facilitative.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
An authoritative order
Detailed information on how to perform a task
Usage Context
Often used in military, workplace, or any hierarchical structure
Common in educational, technical, and everyday scenarios
Detail Level
Minimal; focuses on what is to be done
High; focuses on how to do something, including steps and methods
Tone
Imperative and direct
Informative and guiding
Response Expected
Immediate compliance
Understanding and possibly questions
Compare with Definitions
Command
Control over something.
He took command of the situation immediately.
Instruction
A piece of coded information directing a computer's action.
Each instruction is executed by the CPU.
Command
A directive in computing to perform a specific task.
Use the 'print' command to get a hard copy.
Instruction
A direction or order.
His instruction was to start the presentation.
Command
A position of authority.
She was in command throughout the project.
Instruction
Detailed information teaching how to do something.
The manual provided detailed instructions.
Command
An order given by someone in authority.
The officer issued a command to advance.
Instruction
Teaching or education in a particular field.
She received her early instruction in a local school.
Command
The ability to control or use something.
She has a good command of French.
Instruction
The act of instructing or teaching.
His instruction at the workshop was invaluable.
Command
Give an authoritative or peremptory order
‘Stop arguing!’ he commanded
My mother commands my presence
He commanded that work should cease
A gruff voice commanded us to enter
Instruction
The act, practice, or profession of instructing
Math instruction.
Command
Dominate (a strategic position) from a superior height
The fortress commands the shortest Channel crossing
Instruction
Imparted knowledge
We sought further instruction in a more advanced class.
Command
Be in a strong enough position to have or secure
They command a majority in Parliament
He commanded considerable personal loyalty
Instruction
An imparted or acquired item of knowledge
The judge gave the jury an instruction in how the law defines an accomplice.
Command
An authoritative order
He obeyed her commands without question
Instruction
Often instructions An authoritative direction to be obeyed; an order
Had instructions to be home by midnight.
Command
The ability to use or control something
He had a brilliant command of English
Instruction
Instructions Detailed directions about how to do something
Read the instructions for assembly.
Command
An instruction or signal causing a computer to perform one of its basic functions.
Instruction
(Computers) A sequence of bits that tells a central processing unit to perform a particular operation and can contain data to be used in the operation.
Command
To direct with authority; give orders to.
Instruction
(uncountable) The act of instructing, teaching, or furnishing with information or knowledge.
Students receive instruction in the arts and sciences.
Instruction will be provided on how to handle difficult customers.
Command
To have control or authority over; rule
A general who commands an army.
Instruction
(countable) An instance of the information or knowledge so furnished.
Command
To have at one's disposal
A person who commands seven languages.
Instruction
(countable) An order or command.
Command
To deserve and receive as due; exact
The troops' bravery commanded respect.
Instruction
(computing) A single operation of a processor defined by an instruction set architecture.
Command
To exercise dominating, authoritative influence over
"He commands any room he enters" (Stephen Schiff).
Instruction
A set of directions provided by a manufacturer for the users of a product or service.
Command
To dominate by physical position; overlook
A mountain commanding the valley below.
Instruction
The act of instructing, teaching, or furnishing with knowledge; information.
Command
To give orders.
Instruction
That which instructs, or with which one is instructed; the intelligence or information imparted
Command
To exercise authority or control as or as if one is a commander.
Instruction
A segment of coded data that is interpreted by a computer as a command to perform an operation or series of operations. The term instruction is applied to both the electronic form of the data as represented in and executed by the computer, and to any line of written computer code which is interpreted as one instruction by a compiler. A computer program is comprised of one or more instructions.
Command
The act of commanding.
Instruction
A message describing how something is to be done;
He gave directions faster than she could follow them
Command
An order given with authority.
Instruction
The activities of educating or instructing or teaching; activities that impart knowledge or skill;
He received no formal education
Our instruction was carefully programmed
Good teaching is seldom rewarded
Command
(Computers) A signal that initiates an operation defined by an instruction.
Instruction
The profession of a teacher;
He prepared for teaching while still in college
Pedagogy is recognized as an important profession
Command
The authority to command
An admiral in command.
Instruction
(computer science) a line of code written as part of a computer program
Command
Possession and exercise of the authority to command
Command of the seas.
Command
Ability to control or use; mastery
Command of four languages.
Command
Dominance by location; extent of view.
Command
The jurisdiction of a commander.
Command
A military unit, post, district, or region under the control of one officer.
Command
A unit of the US Air Force that is larger than an air force.
Command
Of, relating to, or constituting a command
Command headquarters.
A command decision.
Command
Done or performed in response to a command
A command performance.
Command
An order to do something.
I was given a command to cease shooting.
Command
The right or authority to order, control or dispose of; the right to be obeyed or to compel obedience.
To have command of an army
Command
Power of control, direction or disposal; mastery.
He had command of the situation
England has long held command of the sea
A good command of language
Command
A position of chief authority; a position involving the right or power to order or control.
General Smith was placed in command.
Command
The act of commanding; exercise or authority of influence.
Command
(military) A body or troops, or any naval or military force, under the control of a particular officer; by extension, any object or body in someone's charge.
Command
Dominating situation; range or control or oversight; extent of view or outlook.
Command
(computing) A directive to a computer program acting as an interpreter of some kind, in order to perform a specific task.
Command
(baseball) The degree of control a pitcher has over his pitches.
He's got good command tonight.
Command
A command performance.
Command
(ambitransitive) To order, give orders; to compel or direct with authority.
The soldier was commanded to cease firing.
The king commanded his servant to bring him dinner.
Command
(ambitransitive) To have or exercise supreme power, control or authority over, especially military; to have under direction or control.
To command an army or a ship
Command
(transitive) To require with authority; to demand, order, enjoin.
He commanded silence
Command
(transitive) to dominate through ability, resources, position etc.; to overlook.
Bridges commanded by a fortified house. (Motley.)
Command
(transitive) To exact, compel or secure by influence; to deserve, claim.
A good magistrate commands the respect and affections of the people.
Justice commands the respect and affections of the people.
The best goods command the best price.
This job commands a salary of £30,000.
Command
(transitive) To hold, to control the use of.
The fort commanded the bay.
Command
To have a view, as from a superior position.
Command
(obsolete) To direct to come; to bestow.
Command
To order with authority; to lay injunction upon; to direct; to bid; to charge.
We are commanded to forgive our enemies, but you never read that we are commanded to forgive our friends.
Go to your mistress:Say, I command her come to me.
Command
To exercise direct authority over; to have control of; to have at one's disposal; to lead.
Monmouth commanded the English auxiliaries.
Such aid as I can spare you shall command.
Command
To have within a sphere of control, influence, access, or vision; to dominate by position; to guard; to overlook.
Bridges commanded by a fortified house.
Up to the eastern tower,Whose height commands as subject all the vale.
One side commands a view of the finest garden.
Command
To have power or influence of the nature of authority over; to obtain as if by ordering; to receive as a due; to challenge; to claim; as, justice commands the respect and affections of the people; the best goods command the best price.
'Tis not in mortals to command success.
Command
To direct to come; to bestow.
I will command my blessing upon you.
Command
To have or to exercise direct authority; to govern; to sway; to influence; to give an order or orders.
And reigned, commanding in his monarchy.
For the king had so commanded concerning [Haman].
Command
To have a view, as from a superior position.
Far and wide his eye commands.
Command
An authoritative order requiring obedience; a mandate; an injunction.
Awaiting what command their mighty chiefHad to impose.
Command
The possession or exercise of authority.
Command and force may often create, but can never cure, an aversion.
Command
Authority; power or right of control; leadership; as, the forces under his command.
Command
Power to dominate, command, or overlook by means of position; scope of vision; survey.
The steepy standWhich overlooks the vale with wide command.
Command
Control; power over something; sway; influence; as, to have command over one's temper or voice; the fort has command of the bridge.
He assumed an absolute command over his readers.
Command
A body of troops, or any naval or military force or post, or the whole territory under the authority or control of a particular officer.
Command
An authoritative direction or instruction to do something
Command
A military unit or region under the control of a single officer
Command
The power or authority to command;
An admiral in command
Command
Availability for use;
The materials at the command of the potters grew
Command
A position of highest authority;
The corporation has just undergone a change in command
Command
Great skillfulness and knowledge of some subject or activity;
A good command of French
Command
(computer science) a line of code written as part of a computer program
Command
Be in command of;
The general commanded a huge army
Command
Make someone do something
Command
Demand as one's due;
This speaker commands a high fee
The author commands a fair hearing from his readers
Command
Look down on;
The villa dominates the town
Command
Exercise authoritative control or power over;
Control the budget
Command the military forces
Common Curiosities
Are commands only verbal?
No, commands can be given verbally, written, or through gestures in some cases, such as military hand signals.
Can someone give both a command and an instruction in the same sentence?
Yes, it's possible to issue a command followed by instructions on how to comply, e.g., "Leave the room immediately; use the back door."
What differentiates a command from an instruction?
A command is an authoritative directive requiring compliance, whereas an instruction is a detailed guide aimed at explaining how to perform a task.
Why is tone important in giving commands and instructions?
Tone can affect how a command or instruction is received; an authoritative tone might ensure quick compliance, while a supportive tone can enhance understanding.
How do cultural differences impact the interpretation of commands and instructions?
Cultural norms can influence how commands and instructions are perceived; what is seen as a direct command in one culture may be considered rude in another.
Can the misuse of commands lead to negative outcomes?
Yes, inappropriate or excessive use of commands can lead to resentment or poor morale, especially if perceived as unnecessarily authoritarian.
What role do commands play in emergency situations?
In emergencies, commands are crucial as they allow for quick actions and decisions that can prevent chaos and save lives.
Is it possible to refuse a command?
Depending on the context, refusing a command, especially in military or critical workplace scenarios, can have serious repercussions.
What skills are necessary to effectively follow instructions?
Effective comprehension, attention to detail, and the ability to execute tasks systematically are crucial for following instructions.
What is the legal importance of instructions in the workplace?
Clear instructions in the workplace are legally important as they ensure safety, compliance, and can protect both employees and employers in liability cases.
How can one improve their ability to give clear instructions?
Improving clarity in instructions can be achieved by being concise, using simple language, and including examples or demonstrations when possible.
What is an example of a common instructional tool?
Manuals, FAQs, and tutorial videos are common tools that provide instructions for various tasks and products.
How are commands used differently in personal vs. professional contexts?
In professional contexts, commands often come with formal authority, while in personal settings, commands might be informal and depend on the interpersonal dynamics.
How do instructions benefit the learning process?
Instructions are fundamental in education as they provide the step-by-step guidance needed to acquire new skills or knowledge.
How does feedback play a role in the process of giving and receiving instructions?
Feedback is essential after giving instructions as it helps in clarifying misunderstandings and improving future instructional methods.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
