I commissioned him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I commissioned him" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of formally assigning someone to create or perform a specific task or project. Example: "I commissioned him to create a sculpture for the new park."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"I've been interested in Keith's work since I commissioned him to do his first set of prints in 1982," Ms. Gladstone said.

The New York Times - Arts

Later, he set me up with some advance DJ promos I had no previous access to, and I commissioned him to do some remixes for my label.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Over the course of the year I'd commissioned him quite a few times and, between you and me, I think he's been overcharging me for his services.

Vice

Two weeks after it opened, Dwight Wiman commissioned him to direct "I Married an Angel," and that, too, was successful.

The New Yorker

We commissioned him for this.

The New York Times

George Washington commissioned him a lieutenant of infantry.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They commissioned him to paint their portraits.

Huffington Post

What's worrying is that the BBC commissioned him again.

Vice

When he came to the office, he was invariably looking for books to review and, very occasionally, I commissioned something by him.

The Guardian - Books

Soon after I became editor of Marxism Today, I commissioned an article from him on Thatcher.

The Guardian

I commissioned those.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I commissioned him" when you want to emphasize that you formally requested someone to create a specific piece of work, such as a painting, sculpture, or musical composition. It implies a level of planning and official agreement.

Common error

Avoid using "I commissioned him" in casual contexts where "I asked him" or "I hired him" would be more appropriate. "Commissioned" suggests a more significant and formal arrangement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I commissioned him" functions as an independent clause expressing a completed action. It indicates that the speaker initiated a formal request for someone to undertake a specific task or project, as supported by Ludwig and its examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I commissioned him" is a grammatically correct independent clause used to express that the speaker formally requested and authorized someone to perform a specific task. Ludwig AI confirms this. While grammatically sound, it's relatively rare, finding its use mainly in news, encyclopedia articles and other professional contexts where a degree of formality is appropriate. When using the phrase, make sure you want to emphasize the act of formally requesting work, as simpler terms like "hired" or "asked" may be more suitable in informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I hired him

Focuses on the act of employing someone.

I engaged him

Highlights the act of involving someone in a task.

I contracted him

Emphasizes a formal agreement for services.

I tasked him with

Highlights assigning a specific task.

I delegated to him

Focuses on entrusting responsibility.

I authorized him

Emphasizes giving official permission or power.

I appointed him

Highlights formally choosing someone for a role.

I procured his services

Formal way of expressing obtaining someones services.

I secured his involvement

Emphasizes ensuring someones participation.

I enlisted him

Highlights seeking someones help or support.

FAQs

What does "I commissioned him" mean?

It means you formally requested and authorized someone to create or perform a specific piece of work, often involving a contract or agreement.

When is it appropriate to use "I commissioned him"?

Use it when you are referring to a formal agreement where you requested someone to create something specific, such as a work of art, a piece of music, or a building design. It's more formal than simply saying you "hired" someone.

What can I say instead of "I commissioned him"?

You can use alternatives like "I hired him", "I engaged him", or "I contracted him" depending on the context.

Is "I commissioned him" formal or informal?

It's generally considered a formal phrase. In more casual settings, simpler terms like "I asked him" or "I got him to" might be more suitable.