commissioned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "commissioned" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone has been officially assigned a task or project, often in a professional or artistic context. Example: "The artist was commissioned to create a mural for the new community center."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Officials spend a lot of time generating proposals – many not commissioned by politicians.

The Guardian

This article was commissioned as part of the Guardian's Citizen Reporting Programme.

The Guardian

Ms Weissová-Hošková was introduced by the Nash's artistic director Amelia Freedman to an editor from Penguin, who commissioned the diaries Helga had kept as a child in Terezín, for publication this year – a major event, for such contemporary records (as opposed to memoirs) are rare.

The Guardian - Music

The retrospective review, commissioned by the trust, look at 822 cancer patients treated at the hospital between 2010 and 2014.

The Guardian

That movie, as indicated, is United Passions, the cinematic drama about Fifa's glorious works which was commissioned by Sepp Blatter, and is actually no more of a work of fiction than real-life Fifa initiatives such as the Diaspora Legacy Programme.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Authorities in Helsinki and Tallinn are looking into the possibility of linking the two cities via an undersea tunnel – and have commissioned a feasibility study, with the help of the EU.

The Guardian

You can see the collection of articles commissioned via this thread by visiting the You Told Us page.

The Guardian - Opinion

One piece, a vast six-foot high sculpture made from steel by Conrad Shawcross, dominates the RA courtyard, while a specially commissioned work by Turner-nominated Jim Lambie sees the gallery's central staircase transformed into a multi-coloured artwork.

The Guardian - Arts

Each of them will be banned, as will the legal high that I have just commissioned.

The Guardian

But the cities insist their agenda is cross-party, and they have commissioned research from right-leaning thinktank ResPublica, which will be published alongside their charter next month.

The Guardian

We will welcome a non-fiction editor to talk about memoirs they have commissioned and worked on.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "commissioned" to emphasize the formal nature of the authorization, especially in professional or artistic contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "commissioned" with a singular subject when a plural verb is required. For instance, it's incorrect to say "The project were commissioned." Ensure the verb agrees with the subject.

Linguistic Context

The word "commissioned" primarily functions as a past participle or past tense verb. It denotes the action of formally instructing or authorizing someone to perform a specific task or create something. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, from welfare proposals to artistic creations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Arts

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "commissioned" is a verb that indicates a formal request or authorization for a task or project. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news, arts, and business contexts. While alternative phrases like "authorized" or "contracted" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey, "commissioned" emphasizes the official and often creative nature of the task at hand. Be mindful of subject-verb agreement, and ensure the context clearly indicates who initiated the commission.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

authorized

Implies formal approval or permission, often by someone in authority.

contracted

Suggests a formal agreement to perform a specific task or service.

ordered

Indicates a direct command or instruction to create or produce something.

engaged

Implies hiring or employing someone for a particular purpose.

tasked

Highlights the assignment of a specific responsibility or duty.

appointed

Focuses on the selection and designation of someone for a role or project.

chartered

Suggests granting a formal right or privilege to establish something.

sanctioned

Indicates official approval or authorization, often with legal or regulatory implications.

initiated

Emphasizes the commencement or launch of a project or activity.

procured

Focuses on obtaining something through purchase or acquisition, often after a formal request.

FAQs

How is "commissioned" typically used in a sentence?

The word "commissioned" indicates that someone has formally requested or authorized a project, piece of work, or service. For example, "The artist was commissioned to paint a mural."

What are some alternatives to using "commissioned"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "authorized", "contracted", or "engaged".

What's the difference between "commissioned" and "ordered"?

"Commissioned" often implies a more formal agreement or request, particularly for creative works. "Ordered" suggests a direct command. For example, you "commission" a painting, but you might "order" supplies.

When is it appropriate to use "commissioned" instead of "hired"?

"Commissioned" is best used when referring to unique or creative works, while "hired" is more appropriate for general employment or service provision. One could be "hired" as a consultant but a statue is "commissioned".