I was commissioned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was commissioned" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you have been given a special task or role to fulfill. For example: "I was commissioned to create a painting for the mayor's office."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The only bit I've done really is WA when I was commissioned by FotoFreo [a now defunct photo festival based in Fremantle] and we went to Broome.

The Guardian - Arts

"I was commissioned to do it.

Independent

LAHOUSEN: In 1915 I was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the infantry.

Yale University

In 2014 I was commissioned to make a George Best documentary.

The Guardian - Travel

Rick Moonen, now the executive chef at Oceana, said: "I was commissioned to buy the bottles.

The New York Times - Food

After completing the program, I was commissioned a lieutenant and attended Navy Supply Corps School, then submarine school.

The New York Times

In 1969 I was commissioned as a lieutenant, and I served in Vietnam in 1970 and 1971.

The New York Times

I was commissioned to create a piece for the Southbank Centre and covered the stage with a forest of lamps.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In 1976, I was commissioned by the Institute of Contemporary Art in Philadelphia to make a piece for children.

The Guardian - Arts

When I was commissioned to write my first radio play in 2001, I knew I wanted to use his poetry.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

When I was commissioned to redesign the Calvin Klein logo in 2016, the situation was quite different.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I was commissioned", clearly state by whom you were commissioned and the specific nature of the task or project. This provides context and clarity for the reader. For example, "I was commissioned by the BBC to write a radio drama".

Common error

Avoid using "I was commissioned" without specifying who did the commissioning. This can leave the audience wondering about the legitimacy or authority behind the commission. Always provide specific details to enhance credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was commissioned" primarily functions as a passive voice construction indicating that the speaker received a formal assignment or request to undertake a specific task or create a particular work. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides numerous examples in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was commissioned" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote being formally assigned a task or project. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and readily usable. The expression is most commonly found in news and media, academic, and business contexts, reflecting its relatively formal tone. To maximize clarity and credibility, it's best to specify the source of the commission. Alternatives include "I was tasked with" and "I was assigned to", which offer slightly different nuances while conveying a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I received a commission

Replaces the passive voice with a more active construction while retaining the core meaning of receiving an assignment.

I was tasked with

Focuses on the assignment of a task, emphasizing the responsibility given.

I was assigned to

Highlights the act of being formally assigned a specific role or project.

I was appointed to

Emphasizes a formal appointment, often for a specific role or position.

I was contracted to

Highlights the formal agreement or contract involved in receiving the assignment.

I undertook a commission

Focuses on the action of taking on the responsibility of a commission.

I was engaged to

Implies a formal engagement for a specific service or project.

I was retained to

Suggests being hired or retained for a specific purpose or project.

I was given the task of

More explicitly states the act of being given a specific task or responsibility.

I was selected to

Indicates a process of selection for a particular role or project.

FAQs

What does "I was commissioned" mean?

It means you were officially asked or hired to do a specific task or create a particular piece of work. It implies a formal arrangement.

How can I use "I was commissioned" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe how you received a project, such as, "I was commissioned to paint a mural for the city hall."

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

You can use alternatives like "I was tasked with", "I was assigned to", or "I was contracted to depending on the context".

Is it better to say "I was commissioned" or "I was asked"?

"I was commissioned" implies a more formal arrangement and often involves payment, whereas "I was asked" is more general. The better choice depends on the specific situation.