a special resolution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a special resolution" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal or corporate contexts to refer to a resolution that requires a higher level of approval than an ordinary resolution, often needing a supermajority vote. Example: "The board proposed a special resolution to amend the company's bylaws, which required a two-thirds majority for approval."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

British shareholders can change a company's charter, via a special resolution; investors in Delaware corporations cannot.

The Economist

Perhaps the most important change now proposed is to allow such intervention through a "special resolution regime".

The Economist

Anglo shareholders did not approve this measure, which as a special resolution had a 75% hurdle rate rather than being a simple majority.

The Guardian - Business

The Up house has been a boon to tourism in Herriman, where civic leaders have even honoured it with a special resolution.

The Guardian - Film

The activist group, Efficient Capital Structures, backed by former Marconi deputy chief executive John Mayo, has tabled a special resolution at the Vodafone AGM that would redirect the board's remuneration to the chairman, Sir John Bond.

The Guardian - Money

Overthrow of the government is not a project the government ever endorses, so refraining from it is not a special resolution, but the ordinary resolution of anyone who thinks of himself or herself as a citizen.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Russia's foreign minister, Igor Ivanov, said: "We don't need any special resolution for [inspections] to occur.

The Economist

Germany is working on a restructuring framework and Britain's Banking Act, passed last year, created a new "special resolution regime".

The Economist

It will take charge of a new "special resolution regime" for failing banks, although the Financial Services Authority, which supervises financial institutions, will trigger the procedure.

The Economist

Britain has enacted a new Special Resolution Regime, which is similar to Dodd-Frank's Orderly Liquidation Authority, but like the authority, it is only to be invoked in extreme circumstances and only with regard to depository institutions.

The New York Times

"Britain might introduce a new special resolution regime, but it won't work properly if that institution has branches in America," says Robert Bliss of Wake Forest University.Larger financial firms also benefit from an implicit government guarantee that they will be bailed out if they get into trouble.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When drafting corporate or legal documents, use "a special resolution" to clearly indicate that a higher approval threshold is required, usually a supermajority vote, to pass the resolution.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "a special resolution" is the same as an ordinary one. Ensure the document clearly specifies the required percentage or voting threshold to prevent misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a special resolution" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to a specific type of formal decision that requires more than a simple majority for approval. Ludwig AI confirms its typical usage in legal or corporate contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a special resolution" is a noun phrase that denotes a formal decision requiring a higher threshold of approval. Ludwig AI confirms that its grammatical status is correct and finds it is used in various contexts, like news media, science and formal business. It commonly appears in corporate and legal contexts. Related phrases include "an extraordinary resolution" and "a supermajority resolution". When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding the required voting threshold to avoid confusion with ordinary resolutions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an extraordinary resolution

Replaces "special" with "extraordinary", emphasizing the exceptional nature of the resolution.

a supermajority resolution

Specifies the voting requirement, highlighting the need for a large majority.

a qualified resolution

Indicates that the resolution meets specific conditions or qualifications.

a particular resolution

Replaces "special" with "particular", focusing on the specificity of the resolution.

a designated resolution

Emphasizes the act of formally assigning or specifying the resolution.

a specific resolution

Highlights the precise and definite nature of the resolution.

an exceptional resolution

Highlights that the resolution is beyond the ordinary.

a unique resolution

Emphasizes the distinct and unparalleled nature of the resolution.

a tailored resolution

Focuses on the customized or adapted nature of the resolution for a particular purpose.

a custom resolution

Focuses on the design that is made according to the client's specifications.

FAQs

What does "a special resolution" mean in corporate governance?

In corporate governance, "a special resolution" refers to a resolution that requires a higher percentage of votes for approval than an ordinary resolution, often used for significant decisions like amending bylaws or restructuring.

When is it necessary to use "a special resolution" instead of an ordinary one?

"A special resolution" is typically required for major decisions affecting a company's structure or operations, such as mergers, acquisitions, or changes to the company's constitution. Ordinary resolutions are suitable for routine matters.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "a special resolution"?

While "a special resolution" is the standard term, you can use alternatives like "an extraordinary resolution" or "a supermajority resolution" to describe /s/extraordinary+resolution or /s/supermajority+resolution. However, ensure these alternatives are appropriate in the specific legal or corporate context.

How does the voting threshold differ between "a special resolution" and an ordinary resolution?

Ordinary resolutions typically require a simple majority (over 50%) to pass, whereas "a special resolution" usually needs a supermajority, such as 75% or two-thirds of the votes. The exact threshold is defined by the organization's governing documents or by applicable laws.