Request vs. Command: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on September 27, 2023
A "Request" is a polite appeal for something, while a "Command" is an authoritative order or instruction.
Key Differences
A "Request" and a "Command" represent two distinct modes of asking or directing someone to perform a task. A request is characterized by its polite and considerate tone, usually implying a choice for the recipient, allowing them to agree or decline. In contrast, a command is marked by its assertiveness and authoritative nature, emphasizing an expectation of compliance and typically leaving no room for refusal.
Diving deeper into the term "Request," it revolves around the concept of politeness and discretion, emanating a sense of respect for the recipient’s autonomy. It essentially indicates a desire or a need, extending the recipient the freedom to consider and decide. Oppositely, "Command" implies a degree of authority and control, often dictating a clear and direct order that anticipates obedience, making it a more rigid and obligatory form of communication.
Analyzing the usage of "Request," it’s common in interactions where mutual respect and courtesy are emphasized, aiming to maintain a harmonious and collaborative relationship between the parties involved. On the other hand, "Command" is predominant in situations where a hierarchical structure exists, with the issuer holding a position of power or authority over the recipient, necessitating a prompt and unequivocal execution of the instruction.
The contextual application of "Request" usually facilitates a more congenial and cooperative environment, fostering positive interactions and mutual understanding. Conversely, the employment of "Command" establishes a clear line of authority and expectation, which can be crucial in situations demanding immediate action and compliance, such as in military operations or emergency situations.
Comparison Chart
Aspect
Request
Command
ADVERTISEMENT
Nature
Polite appeal
Authoritative order
Tone
Considerate and respectful
Assertive and directive
Recipient’s Choice
Has the option to agree or decline
Expected to comply without refusal
Usage Context
Mutual respect and courtesy are emphasized
Hierarchical structure, necessitating prompt execution
Level of Obligation
Non-obligatory, subject to recipient’s willingness
Obligatory, anticipates obedience
ADVERTISEMENT
Request and Command Definitions
Request
An inquiry or petition intended to gain a favor or permission.
Sarah submitted a request to access the restricted files.
Command
An authoritative order or instruction.
The officer gave a command to advance.
Request
An act of asking for something to be given or done.
The manager will consider your request for a salary increase.
Command
The ability to control or dominate.
He has a good command of the English language.
Request
A polite appeal or petition for something.
She sent a request for additional information.
Command
A directive given to a computer program.
Enter the command to execute the program.
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.
Command
A position of authority or control.
He assumed command of the regiment.
Request
To ask (a person) to do something
The police requested her to accompany them.
Command
A precise instruction enforcing action.
The general issued a command to retreat.
Request
An act of asking for something.
Command
To direct with authority; give orders to.
Request
Something asked for
Wasn't happy until he got his request.
Command
To have control or authority over; rule
A general who commands an army.
Request
To ask for (something).
The corporal requested reinforcements.
I have requested that the furniture be moved back to its original position.
Command
To have at one's disposal
A person who commands seven languages.
Request
(transitive) To ask (somebody) to do something.
She called me into her office and requested me to sit down.
Command
To deserve and receive as due; exact
The troops' bravery commanded respect.
Request
Act of requesting (with the adposition at in the presence of possessives, and on in their absence).
Command
To exercise dominating, authoritative influence over
"He commands any room he enters" (Stephen Schiff).
Request
A formal message requesting something.
Command
To dominate by physical position; overlook
A mountain commanding the valley below.
Request
Condition of being sought after.
Command
To give orders.
Request
(networking) A message sent over a network to a server.
The server returned a 404 error to the HTTP request.
Command
To exercise authority or control as or as if one is a commander.
Request
(obsolete) That which is asked for or requested.
Command
The act of commanding.
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.
Command
An order given with authority.
Request
That which is asked for or requested.
I will both hear and grant you your requests.
Command
(Computers) A signal that initiates an operation defined by an instruction.
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.
Command
The authority to command
An admiral in command.
Request
To ask for (something); to express desire ffor; to solicit; as, to request his presence, or a favor.
Command
Possession and exercise of the authority to command
Command of the seas.
Request
To address with a request; to ask.
I request youTo give my poor host freedom.
Command
Ability to control or use; mastery
Command of four languages.
Request
A formal message requesting something that is submitted to an authority
Command
Dominance by location; extent of view.
Request
The verbal act of requesting
Command
The jurisdiction of a commander.
Request
Express the need or desire for; ask for;
She requested an extra bed in her room
She called for room service
Command
A military unit, post, district, or region under the control of one officer.
Request
Ask (a person) to do something;
She asked him to be here at noon
I requested that she type the entire manuscript
Command
A unit of the US Air Force that is larger than an air force.
Request
Inquire for (information);
I requested information from the secretary
Command
Of, relating to, or constituting a command
Command headquarters.
A command decision.
Request
An expression of a desire to obtain something.
John made a request for time off.
Command
Done or performed in response to a command
A command performance.
Request
A formal message asking for something.
The request for proposal was sent to various vendors.
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
FAQs
Is a command obligatory?
Generally, yes. A command typically requires compliance.
Is a request always polite?
Typically, yes. A request is usually made in a polite and considerate manner.
Can a request be declined?
Yes, a request can generally be agreed to or declined as it implies a choice.
Is a command more authoritative than a request?
Yes, a command is authoritative and expects obedience.
Can a command be soft-spoken?
While it can be conveyed calmly, a command, by nature, is directive and enforces action.
Is a request more collaborative?
Yes, a request is usually more conducive to collaborative and harmonious interactions.
Does a command necessitate immediate action?
Typically, yes. Commands usually require prompt and unequivocal execution.
Is command related to positions of power?
Yes, commands are often issued by individuals in positions of authority or power.
Is making a request a formal way of asking?
It can be, depending on the context. Requests can be both formal and informal.
Can a request imply respect for the recipient’s autonomy?
Yes, a request often implies respect and consideration for the recipient’s autonomy.
Can a request be made in different tones?
Absolutely, a request can be conveyed in varied tones, maintaining a sense of politeness.
Is a request non-binding?
Yes, a request is generally non-binding and subject to the recipient's willingness.
Can both request and command be verbal or written?
Yes, both requests and commands can be conveyed verbally or in writing.
Does a command imply a level of control?
Yes, a command implies a degree of control or authority over the recipient.
Does a command establish clear expectations?
Yes, a command establishes clear and direct expectations of compliance.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
