Request vs. Command — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 20, 2023
A request seeks permission or favors, typically with politeness. A command directs or orders with authority. Both convey desires but vary in assertiveness and tone.
Difference Between Request and Command
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
A request is a polite or formal way of asking someone to do something or give something. It often implies that the person has a choice in the matter. Command, on the other hand, implies an authoritative order where compliance is expected without question.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
In social interactions, making a request is seen as considerate, allowing the other party the freedom to decline. Using a command can be viewed as assertive or even aggressive, often expecting immediate obedience without debate.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
When thinking of language structure, a request often utilizes modal verbs such as "could," "would," or "may." Command typically employs the imperative form of a verb, which gives a direct order.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
In software and computing, both terms have distinct meanings. A request often pertains to seeking data or a response, such as in HTTP requests on the web. A command, in contrast, is an instruction given to a computer to execute a specific task.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Comparison Chart
Tone
Polite or formal
Authoritative or assertive
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Freedom for Recipient
Gives recipient choice or option
Expects compliance without question
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Language Structure
Uses modal verbs like "could," "would," or "may"
Uses the imperative form of verbs
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Usage in Computing
Seeks data or a response, e.g., HTTP request
An instruction for execution, e.g., command in a command prompt
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Typical Response Expected
Agreement, denial, or an alternative
Immediate obedience
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Compare with Definitions
Request
A thing that is asked for.
His request was granted immediately.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Command
The ability to use or control something.
He has a good command of the English language.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Request
A solicitation or entreaty to someone.
Her last request was to see the ocean one more time.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
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
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Request
A polite or formal petition for something.
She sent a request for more information about the program.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Command
Dominate (a strategic position) from a superior height
The fortress commands the shortest Channel crossing
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Request
An act of asking politely or formally for something
A request for information
The club's excursion was postponed at the request of some of the members
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Command
Be in a strong enough position to have or secure
They command a majority in Parliament
He commanded considerable personal loyalty
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Request
Politely or formally ask for
The chairman requested that the reports be considered
He received the information he had requested
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Command
An authoritative order
He obeyed her commands without question
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Request
To express a desire for, especially politely; ask for. Often used with an infinitive or clause
Requested information about the experiment.
Requested to see the evidence firsthand.
Requested that the bus driver stop at the next corner.
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Command
The ability to use or control something
He had a brilliant command of English
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Request
To ask (a person) to do something
The police requested her to accompany them.
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Command
An instruction or signal causing a computer to perform one of its basic functions.
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Request
An act of asking for something.
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Command
To direct with authority; give orders to.
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Request
Something asked for
Wasn't happy until he got his request.
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Command
To have control or authority over; rule
A general who commands an army.
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Request
To ask for (something).
The corporal requested reinforcements.
I have requested that the furniture be moved back to its original position.
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Command
To have at one's disposal
A person who commands seven languages.
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Request
(transitive) To ask (somebody) to do something.
She called me into her office and requested me to sit down.
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Command
To deserve and receive as due; exact
The troops' bravery commanded respect.
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Request
Act of requesting (with the adposition at in the presence of possessives, and on in their absence).
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Command
To exercise dominating, authoritative influence over
"He commands any room he enters" (Stephen Schiff).
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Request
A formal message requesting something.
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Command
To dominate by physical position; overlook
A mountain commanding the valley below.
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Request
Condition of being sought after.
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Command
To give orders.
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Request
(networking) A message sent over a network to a server.
The server returned a 404 error to the HTTP request.
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Command
To exercise authority or control as or as if one is a commander.
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Request
(obsolete) That which is asked for or requested.
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Command
The act of commanding.
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Request
The act of asking for anything desired; expression of desire or demand; solicitation; prayer; petition; entreaty.
I will marry her, sir, at your request.
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Command
An order given with authority.
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Request
That which is asked for or requested.
I will both hear and grant you your requests.
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Command
(Computers) A signal that initiates an operation defined by an instruction.
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Request
A state of being desired or held in such estimation as to be sought after or asked for; demand.
Knowledge and fame were in as great request as wealth among us now.
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Command
The authority to command
An admiral in command.
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Request
To ask for (something); to express desire ffor; to solicit; as, to request his presence, or a favor.
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Command
Possession and exercise of the authority to command
Command of the seas.
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Request
To address with a request; to ask.
I request youTo give my poor host freedom.
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Command
Ability to control or use; mastery
Command of four languages.
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Request
A formal message requesting something that is submitted to an authority
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Command
Dominance by location; extent of view.
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Request
The verbal act of requesting
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Command
The jurisdiction of a commander.
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Request
Express the need or desire for; ask for;
She requested an extra bed in her room
She called for room service
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Command
A military unit, post, district, or region under the control of one officer.
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Request
Ask (a person) to do something;
She asked him to be here at noon
I requested that she type the entire manuscript
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Command
A unit of the US Air Force that is larger than an air force.
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Request
Inquire for (information);
I requested information from the secretary
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Command
Of, relating to, or constituting a command
Command headquarters.
A command decision.
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Request
An act of asking politely or formally for something.
He made a request to leave early from work.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Command
Done or performed in response to a command
A command performance.
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Request
An application for a transaction or information in computing.
The server processes multiple requests simultaneously.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Command
An order to do something.
I was given a command to cease shooting.
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
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
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
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
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Command
A position of chief authority; a position involving the right or power to order or control.
General Smith was placed in command.
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Command
The act of commanding; exercise or authority of influence.
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
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.
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Command
Dominating situation; range or control or oversight; extent of view or outlook.
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Command
(computing) A directive to a computer program acting as an interpreter of some kind, in order to perform a specific task.
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Command
(baseball) The degree of control a pitcher has over his pitches.
He's got good command tonight.
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Command
A command performance.
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
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.
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
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
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Command
(transitive) To require with authority; to demand, order, enjoin.
He commanded silence
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Command
(transitive) to dominate through ability, resources, position etc.; to overlook.
Bridges commanded by a fortified house. (Motley.)
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
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.
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Command
(transitive) To hold, to control the use of.
The fort commanded the bay.
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Command
To have a view, as from a superior position.
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Command
(obsolete) To direct to come; to bestow.
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
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.
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
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.
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
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.
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
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.
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Command
To direct to come; to bestow.
I will command my blessing upon you.
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
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].
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Command
To have a view, as from a superior position.
Far and wide his eye commands.
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Command
An authoritative order requiring obedience; a mandate; an injunction.
Awaiting what command their mighty chiefHad to impose.
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Command
The possession or exercise of authority.
Command and force may often create, but can never cure, an aversion.
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Command
Authority; power or right of control; leadership; as, the forces under his command.
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Command
Power to dominate, command, or overlook by means of position; scope of vision; survey.
The steepy standWhich overlooks the vale with wide command.
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
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.
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
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.
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Command
An authoritative direction or instruction to do something
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Command
A military unit or region under the control of a single officer
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Command
The power or authority to command;
An admiral in command
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Command
Availability for use;
The materials at the command of the potters grew
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Command
A position of highest authority;
The corporation has just undergone a change in command
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Command
Great skillfulness and knowledge of some subject or activity;
A good command of French
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Command
(computer science) a line of code written as part of a computer program
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Command
Be in command of;
The general commanded a huge army
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Command
Make someone do something
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Command
Demand as one's due;
This speaker commands a high fee
The author commands a fair hearing from his readers
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Command
Look down on;
The villa dominates the town
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Command
Exercise authoritative control or power over;
Control the budget
Command the military forces
Tayyaba Rehman
Apr 05, 2019
Command
An authoritative order.
The general issued a command for the troops to advance.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Command
A position of authority or control.
She took command of the situation swiftly.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Command
An instruction for a computer to execute.
The user entered a command into the terminal.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Command
A directive given to a person or animal.
The dog obeyed the command to sit.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Common Curiosities
Is a command considered impolite?
A command can be perceived as impolite if not used in appropriate contexts or with the right tone.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
What's the primary difference between request and command in language?
A request is typically polite and uses modal verbs, while a command uses the imperative form and is direct.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
In computer terms, what does a request usually seek?
In computing, a request typically seeks data or a specific response.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Can you provide an example of a request in software?
Yes, an HTTP GET request in web browsing seeks data from a server.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Is a request mandatory?
No, a request is not mandatory and allows the recipient a choice.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Can a request be turned down?
Yes, a request can be declined or negotiated since it's not an authoritative order.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Can commands be used in a software context?
Yes, in software and computing, a command is an instruction given for a specific task.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
How do animals understand commands?
Animals can be trained to associate specific words, tones, or gestures with actions, recognizing them as commands.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Can a command be made in the form of a request?
Yes, but it's the tone and context that differentiate it; e.g., "Could you please exit the room now?" when said authoritatively can function as a command.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
What does it mean to "have command" of something?
To "have command" of something means to have mastery or control over it.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
How should one respond to a request if unsure?
If unsure about a request, one can seek clarification or ask for time to consider it.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Are all commands authoritative?
While commands are directives, their perceived authority can vary based on context and tone.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
How is a request usually conveyed in a conversation?
A request is often conveyed with polite phrasing, such as "Could you" or "Would you mind."
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Is every ask a request?
Generally, yes, but the tone and phrasing can differentiate a mere ask from a formal request.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Are commands more effective in urgent situations?
Commands can be more effective in urgent situations where immediate action is needed without debate.
Tayyaba Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Share Your Discovery
⮪ Previous Comparison
Rung vs. Rang
Next Comparison ➦
Skud vs. ScudAuthor Spotlight
Written 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.
