a state commission

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a state commission" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an official group or body established by a state government to oversee specific functions or issues. Example: "The state commission on education reform has proposed several new policies to improve the quality of schools."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When Mitt Romney was running for governor of Massachusetts a decade ago, Democrats went before a state commission to demand that he be struck from the ballot.

The New York Times

"We say it's censorship, they say it's a state commission".

The Guardian

A state commission is studying the idea; it would be a huge project.

The Economist

In 2010, a state commission on the death penalty voted 12-10 against recommending abolition.

The New York Times

A state commission found that senior officials were to blame for the five deaths.

The Economist

Zimbabwe already requires local journalists to be registered by a state commission.

The New York Times

A state commission has paid hundreds of millions of dollars in reparations.

The New York Times

It is similar to a proposal made two years ago by a state commission.

The New York Times

That plan is being evaluated by a state commission that is studying traffic congestion in Manhattan.

The New York Times

In February, a state commission recommended allowing judges more leeway to sentence offenders to treatment programs.

The New York Times

In January a state commission claimed to have found every imaginable problem: excessively low tax rates, corruption and environmental damage.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about governmental bodies, use specific names if available to provide more clarity and authority. For example, instead of saying "a state commission", use "The State Education Commission of California."

Common error

Avoid capitalizing "state" and "commission" unless it is part of a formal name. Using lowercase is appropriate when referring to "a state commission" in a general sense.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a state commission" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific type of governmental body at the state level, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a state commission" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase referring to an official body established by a state government. According to Ludwig, it functions to inform about actions, recommendations, or investigations carried out by such commissions. While the register is generally neutral, it is crucial to capitalize "State" and "Commission" only when referring to a specific, formally named entity. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase benefits from being replaced with specific commission names for increased clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a state-level committee

Replaces 'commission' with 'committee', implying a slightly less formal body.

a state regulatory body

Emphasizes the regulatory function of the commission.

a state-appointed panel

Highlights the appointment process by the state government.

a state task force

Suggests a temporary body formed for a specific task.

a state authority

Emphasizes the power and jurisdiction of the commission.

a state working group

Implies a collaborative effort within the state government.

a state board

A more general term for an administrative body at the state level.

a state agency

Highlights the commission as a part of the state government's administrative structure.

a state review board

Suggests a focus on reviewing policies or decisions.

a state oversight committee

Emphasizes the commission's role in overseeing specific activities.

FAQs

How can I use "a state commission" in a sentence?

You can use "a state commission" to refer to a governmental body established at the state level. For example, "A state commission is studying the effects of the new law".

What's the difference between "a state commission" and "a federal commission"?

"A state commission" operates at the state level and addresses state-specific issues, while "a federal commission" operates at the national level and deals with nationwide concerns.

What are some alternatives to "a state commission"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a state board", "a state agency", or "a state committee".

When should I capitalize "state" and "commission" in "a state commission"?

Capitalize "State" and "Commission" only when referring to a specific, formally named entity, such as "The State Commission on Higher Education". Otherwise, use lowercase for the generic term "a state commission".