commit to a referendum

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "commit to a referendum" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the decision to hold a referendum on a specific issue or topic. Example: "The government decided to commit to a referendum on the proposed constitutional changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Right now it doesn't make sense to commit to a referendum years ahead".

The Guardian

The Labour party has said it will commit to a referendum in its general election manifesto.

The Guardian

It was concern about the Ukip's capacity to erode the Conservatives' political base that pushed David Cameron to commit to a referendum on the country's continued EU membership.

The Guardian - Business

It is time for political parties to stop kicking the can down the road and to commit to a referendum in 2016.

The Guardian

The plan would also create a fully elected House of Lords, scrapping heredity and political favor as a passport to power, and commit to a referendum on changing the voting system for the House of Commons.

The New York Times

The array of literary, filmmaking and musical talent calling for abortion reform want all the political parties in the republic to commit to a referendum in their election manifestos for 2016.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

That's why I committed to a referendum".

The New York Times

Labour is committed to a referendum on (unspecified) change in the voting system.

The Economist

Whatever happened, he added, the Catalan government remained committed to a referendum regardless of its outcome.

The Guardian

Not only did the voters give it just one seat in May, but they elected a Conservative government committed to a referendum.

Independent

However, sources insisted the prime minister is still committed to a referendum in 2017 and does not want to bring it forward.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "commit to a referendum", ensure that the subject making the commitment has the authority or influence to initiate such a vote.

Common error

Avoid using "commit to a referendum" when discussing preliminary discussions or suggestions; reserve it for confirmed decisions or formal pledges.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "commit to a referendum" functions as a declarative expression, signifying a formal undertaking or pledge. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in political contexts, indicating a decision to hold a public vote on a specific matter.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "commit to a referendum" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to express a formal decision or pledge to hold a public vote. Ludwig's analysis indicates its frequent appearance in News & Media sources, reflecting a neutral register suitable for political and public discourse. Related phrases include "pledge to hold a referendum" and "promise a referendum", each offering slight nuances in meaning. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is well-established and accurately conveys the intention of undertaking a referendum.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make a commitment to a referendum

Rephrases the original phrase by explicitly stating the act of making a commitment.

pledge to hold a referendum

Emphasizes a formal promise or undertaking to conduct a referendum.

promise a referendum

Focuses on the act of making a commitment regarding a referendum.

agree to a referendum

Highlights the aspect of reaching a consensus or agreement to hold a referendum.

undertake to hold a referendum

Stresses the initiation and responsibility of organizing a referendum.

give an undertaking to hold a referendum

Focuses on providing a formal assurance to conduct a referendum.

guarantee a referendum

Highlights the assurance of a referendum, often under specific conditions.

assure a referendum

Emphasizes the act of providing confidence or certainty that a referendum will occur.

vow to call a referendum

Emphasizes a solemn or emphatic declaration to initiate a referendum.

resolve to have a referendum

Indicates a firm decision or determination to conduct a referendum.

FAQs

How can I use "commit to a referendum" in a sentence?

Use "commit to a referendum" to describe a formal pledge or decision to hold a public vote on a specific issue. For instance, "The party promised to "commit to a referendum" on the proposed treaty."

What are some alternatives to "commit to a referendum"?

Alternatives include "pledge to hold a referendum", "promise a referendum", or "agree to a referendum", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "promise a referendum" and "commit to a referendum"?

"Promise a referendum" is a more general term for assuring that a referendum will happen. "Commit to a referendum" implies a more formal and binding decision, often involving specific actions and timelines.

Is it correct to say "committing for a referendum" instead of "commit to a referendum"?

No, "committing for a referendum" is grammatically incorrect. The correct and idiomatic phrasing is ""commit to a referendum"", as it accurately conveys the intent of making a firm decision.