a select committee

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a select committee" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific group of individuals chosen for a particular purpose, often in a legislative or organizational context. Example: "The organization formed a select committee to address the issues raised in the recent report."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A select committee must now progress the matter.

The Guardian

Is that the sort of information a select committee should be making judgments about?

The Guardian - Sport

"The strength of a select committee is that it judges on the merits of the candidate.

The Guardian

You don't refuse to come to a select committee – you just don't.

The Guardian - Business

Of course, Congress should create a select committee to exercise oversight.

The New York Times

"That's precisely why the speaker wanted a select committee that did not have these committee obligations".

The New York Times

Later that month the Senate established a select committee to investigate intelligence activities.

The New York Times

Sometimes a select committee meets primarily to cover itself in the stardust of its witnesses.

The Guardian

Treasury official Tom Scholar defended pay deals to a select committee.

The Guardian - Business

Finally, the home secretary, Herbert Samuel, proposed a select committee to investigate the new franchise.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

So on 24 June I will be hosting a select committee-style evidence session to do just this," he said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a select committee" when referring to a specially appointed group within a larger organization, especially in governmental or parliamentary contexts, to investigate or address specific issues.

Common error

Avoid using "a select committee" when referring to general teamwork or informal groups. This term implies a formal, designated body with specific investigatory or decision-making powers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a select committee" functions as a noun phrase, specifically identifying a group of people chosen for a specific task, often within a governmental or organizational context. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical structure.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a select committee" refers to a specially appointed group, often within a governmental or organizational setting, tasked with a specific investigation or review. Ludwig highlights the phrase's correct usage, indicating it conforms to standard English grammar. Predominantly found in News & Media, Formal & Business contexts, its neutral to professional register underscores its use in official proceedings. While alternatives like "a special committee" exist, understanding the formality and specific purpose associated with "a select committee" is crucial for accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a special committee

Replaces 'select' with 'special', suggesting a committee formed for a particular or unusual task.

a parliamentary committee

Specifies that the committee operates within a parliamentary context.

an investigative committee

Emphasizes the committee's purpose of conducting investigations.

a fact-finding committee

Suggests a committee focused on gathering information and evidence.

an ad hoc committee

Indicates the committee is formed for a specific, short-term purpose and is not permanent.

a legislative committee

Highlights the committee's role in the legislative process.

a standing committee

Denotes a permanent committee with ongoing responsibilities.

a commission of inquiry

Indicates a formal investigation, often with broader powers than a typical committee.

a review panel

Uses 'panel' instead of 'committee', implying a group assembled for assessment or review.

a working group

Suggests a more informal and collaborative group working on a specific task.

FAQs

How is "a select committee" different from a standing committee?

While "a select committee" is formed for a specific purpose and dissolves after completing its task, a standing committee is a permanent committee with ongoing responsibilities.

When is it appropriate to use "a special committee" instead of "a select committee"?

The terms are largely interchangeable. "A special committee" might be preferred when emphasizing the unique or unusual nature of the task assigned to the group.

What role does "a select committee" typically play in government?

"A select committee" in government often investigates specific issues, conducts hearings, and makes recommendations to the larger legislative body.

Can "a select committee" be formed outside of government or politics?

Yes, while commonly used in governmental contexts, "a select committee" can also be formed within organizations or institutions to address specific issues or conduct investigations relevant to that entity.