Pronunciation: [wɜː kəmˈand] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of the phrase "were command" is /wər kəˈmænd/. The first word, "were," is pronounced with a schwa sound followed by the "r" sound, while the second word, "command," includes a stress on the second syllable and a soft "a" followed by the "m" and "d" sounds. Paying attention to the phonetic transcription can help clarify the correct spelling and pronunciation of this often-confused phrase.
"were command" refers to a terminology used in the field of English grammar and syntax. It is a grammatical structure that belongs to the subjunctive mood, specifically the past subjunctive tense. The phrase "were command" describes a situation or action that is unreal, hypothetical, contrary to fact, or expresses a desire or wish. It is primarily used in conditional or hypothetical clauses and conveys situations that are unlikely or imagined rather than true or factual.
In this construction, the verb "were" is used instead of "was" with a singular subject, and "were" remains unchanged irrespective of the subject's number or person. For example, instead of saying "If he was there," we use the "were command" form as "If he were there." This form is also utilized to express polite requests or suggestions, as in "I would appreciate it if you were to consider my proposal."
The use of "were command" emphasizes a sense of unreality or improbability, creating a distinction between factual statements and hypothetical scenarios. While "were command" is slightly archaic in modern English, it remains prevalent in formal writing, literature, and poetry. Mastery of this grammatical structure enables effective communication in expressing hypothetical or counterfactual ideas, imaginative possibilities, and polite entreaties.
The phrase "were command" does not have a specific etymology as it is not a common phrase or word used in English. It appears to be a combination of the verb "were" (past tense of "are") and the noun "command". Each of these words has its own separate etymology:
1. "Were": "Were" is the past tense of the verb "are". The word "are" can be traced back to Old English "eart" or "bist" which in turn came from West Germanic languages. Its ultimate origin is uncertain, although it may have derived from Proto-Germanic or Proto-Indo-European roots.
2. "Command": The word "command" originated from the Old French word "comand", which itself came from the Latin word "commandare" meaning "to commit to one's charge".
