commit

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "commit" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to both the act of agreeing to do something as well as the act of doing something. For example, "She committed to completing the project by the end of the week and worked diligently to ensure that it was done on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

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Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"To hold it in a context where some basic fundamental rights are markedly absent, indeed, denied to the population, is to commit a travesty".

The New York Times

Ditto Leicester at Stoke and QPR at Everton and, indeed, Everton themselves: with Champions League qualification up for grabs, will Roberto Martínez commit to the Cup as fully as he did with Wigan?

The Guardian - Sport

Nick Clegg, who has been briefed by the prime minister on the speech, will reject Cameron's pledge to hold a referendum by 2017 on the grounds that it is wrong to commit Britain to such a specific timetable when there is uncertainty over whether negotiations will take place.

The Guardian

"Even though Mr Sajid said he didn't commit to a time limit, we are seeking to gain a relationship.

The Guardian

So make this a year where you commit to cooking and eating more at home – you'll feel better for it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Andries Nkome, who is also representing the Association of Mineworkers and Construction union, said: "Our clients are taking credit that they were able to get the president to commit to release the report but he is still treating them with contempt, having ignored their request for a commitment by 2pm on Sunday and waiting to address parliament instead".

The Guardian

She spent part of last year having very discreet conversations with the treasury as she sought to persuade George Osborne to commit serious money to building the artistic headquarters of his northern powerhouse plan.

The Guardian

Ali has also been charged with intending, during the same period, to assist another person to commit acts of terrorism.

The Guardian

Those involved in youth violence are dubbed gangs when really they are groups on the periphery who commit robberies and other crimes as a group of friends.

The Guardian

Despite the hair's breadth difference poll results between Labour and Conservative that appear each day, neither party wants to commit to investing in an economically important and electorally resonate sector.

The Guardian

I wonder how many Australians would approve the idea of jailing a person pending trial "just in case" they might commit an offence.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "commit", be specific about what is being committed to. Provide clear context to avoid ambiguity, especially when discussing abstract concepts or future actions. For example, instead of saying "The company is committed", specify "The company is committed to reducing its carbon footprint by 20%."

Common error

A common mistake is using "commit" without clearly defining the subject or object of the commitment. Ensure that the sentence structure clearly indicates who or what is making the commitment and what they are committed to. For instance, avoid vague statements like "We need to commit" and instead use precise language such as "We need to "commit resources to" training our staff."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "commit" is as a verb, indicating the act of entrusting, pledging, or performing an action. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate use, with examples showing its versatility in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Sport

15%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Lifestyle

8%

Science

7%

Books

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "commit" is a versatile and frequently used verb with a range of meanings, from entrusting to pledging and performing actions. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various contexts. Its primary function is to indicate a dedication, obligation, or execution of an action. The word maintains a neutral register, making it appropriate for various communication styles. From the numerous examples provided by Ludwig, it's evident that "commit" is very common in News & Media, Sports, and Formal & Business contexts. When using "commit", clarity is key, particularly in specifying the subject and object of the commitment to prevent ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dedicate oneself

Emphasizes a strong personal investment and devotion to a cause or activity.

pledge to

Implies a formal or solemn promise to undertake a specific action.

devote resources to

Highlights the allocation of time, money, or effort toward a particular goal.

undertake to

Suggests a formal agreement or obligation to perform a task or duty.

bind oneself

Emphasizes a self-imposed obligation or restriction.

carry out

Focuses on the execution or performance of a specific task or action.

be responsible for

Indicates a specific duty or accountability for an outcome.

perpetrate

Specifically refers to the act of carrying out a crime or harmful action.

engage in

Implies active participation or involvement in an activity.

assign oneself to

Highlights a directed effort or focused dedication.

FAQs

How can I use "commit" in a sentence?

You can use "commit" in various contexts. For example, "The government needs to "commit to reducing poverty"", "She decided to "commit herself to the project"", or "He would never "commit a crime"".

What are some alternatives to using "commit"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "pledge", "dedicate", "undertake", or "devote". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "commit to" and "commit oneself to"?

"Commit to" is generally used when referring to a promise or dedication to a cause, action, or goal. "Commit oneself to" emphasizes a personal dedication and involvement. For example, "The company will "commit to sustainability"", while "She "committed herself to the cause"".

Is it correct to say "commit an error" or should I use another phrase?

While "commit" can be used to describe mistakes, it's often used for more serious wrongdoings. For minor errors, consider using phrases like "make a mistake" or "err". However, "commit an error" is grammatically correct, but usage depends on context.