commission

USAGE SUMMARY

"commission" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to refer to an official group appointed to do a particular task or to refer to the act of officially appointing someone to do a job. For example, "The government has set up a commission to look into the issue of immigration policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

In opposition O'Farrell said the Liberal/Nationals coalition would not approve the mine, but the application has been progressing with the planning assessment commission yet to make a decision on it.

The Guardian

In November Obeid told the commission he had not disclosed his sons' interests in the business because he wanted his lobbying to be taken on "merit".

The Guardian

Counsel assisting the commission, Geoffrey Watson, said he had been of the opinion that George had done nothing wrong.

The Guardian

The commission report contains a word not often heard in governing circles in the United Kingdom - research.

The Guardian

The commission found for the mass experiment in postal voting in June, though administration will need to improve.

The Guardian

It is good news that that Mr Younger's commission will be looking over Labour's shoulder with the keenest interest.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Last summer the Electoral Commission said 7.5 million eligible voters were not registered, with poor, black and young people least likely to be on the electoral roll.

The Guardian

An Orange Order spokesman said: "This preposterous decision by the Parades Commission only underlines the increasing perception that its determinations are dictated by the threat of physical force opposition to our parades.

The Guardian

The Society's two-year Commission on Taxation and Citizenship criticised Labour's reluctance to discuss taxation and proposed, among other reforms, an earmarked tax for the NHS.

The Guardian

In a 500-page report, the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) called for urgent improvements in the accountability of undercover firearms operations after finding that a lack of audio or video material "made it difficult, and on occasions impossible, to know with absolute certainty what happened".

The Guardian

Norway and Iceland maintain commercial whaling programmes in spite of the 1986 International Whaling Commission (IWC) moratorium, but Japan insists its programme is scientific, while admitting that the resulting meat ends up on plates back at home.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a "commission" as a group, specify its full name and purpose to ensure the audience understands its role and authority.

Common error

Avoid confusing "commission", which means to authorize or order, with "omission", which means to leave something out. Double-check your spelling and context to ensure you're using the correct word.

Linguistic Context

The word "commission" functions as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to a body tasked with a specific duty. As a verb, it means to formally charge someone with a task or order the creation of something, as validated by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "commission" is a versatile term with meanings ranging from authorizing a task to establishing an official body. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical correctness and wide usage across diverse contexts underscore its importance in both formal and informal communication. While commonly found in "news & media", "formal & business", and "science" contexts, it's essential to distinguish its various meanings to avoid misinterpretations. Remember to specify the context when using "commission", whether you're talking about tasking someone with a project or a formal group with an assigned function, as this will enhance clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

charge with

Indicates giving someone a formal responsibility or task.

task with

Emphasizes assigning a specific duty or responsibility.

authorize

Focuses on granting official permission or approval.

delegate

Involves entrusting a task or responsibility to another.

appoint

Highlights the selection and designation of someone for a role.

contract

Focuses on a formal agreement for services or work.

enlist

Suggests recruiting or engaging someone for a particular purpose.

instruct

Focuses on giving specific directions or orders.

engage

Implies hiring or securing someone's services.

procure

Highlights the act of obtaining something through effort or purchase.

FAQs

How to use "commission" in a sentence?

You can use "commission" to describe tasking someone with a duty, such as "The artist was commissioned to paint a portrait.", or referring to a group tasked with a job, such as "The government established a commission to investigate the matter."

What can I say instead of "commission"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "authorize", "task with", or "appoint".

Which is correct, "commission" or "committee"?

"Commission" and "committee" are similar but not interchangeable. A "commission" is typically appointed for a specific, often official purpose, while a "committee" is a more general group working on a task or issue.

What's the difference between "commission" and "delegation"?

"Commission" often implies a formal assignment or authorization, whereas "delegation" refers to entrusting a task or responsibility to someone else. You "delegate" a task, and "commission" an entity or person.