commits him to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "commits him to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone is bound or obligated to a particular course of action or decision. Example: "The contract commits him to complete the project by the end of the month."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

Gadamer's commitment to the linguisticality of understanding also commits him to a view of understanding as essentially a matter of conceptual articulation.

SEP

Instead Parker signed an improved deal this month that pays him around £50,000 a week and commits him to West Ham until 2014.

The Guardian - Sport

His agreement with the feds commits him to a $62,000-a-year 62,000-a-year 62,000-a-year violence from information gleaned entirely at his desk.

The New York Times - Arts

Thistlecrack was cut to 12-1 for the race but those odds are likely to halve if his trainer commits him to that route.

The Guardian - Sport

The move to decline almost $19 million dodges spending limits but commits him to raise every dime the campaign will spend, an ambitious $200 million goal that calls for gathering $100 each from two million backers.

The New York Times

It isn't just the war of wills between Barbara Undershaft, the society girl who turns to the Salvation Army in her need to do good and save souls, and her father, whose munitions empire commits him to war and destruction.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

In 1916 his wife committed him to Manhattan State Hospital.

The New York Times - Arts

After he shared his concerns, his superiors committed him to a psychiatric hospital for six days.

The New York Times

It would get the governor on record without committing him to any course of action.

The Washington Post

On wednesday, a court committed him to Kings County Hospital for psychiatric observation.

The New York Times

I wanted Pete to sign a contract to commit him to completing film.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "commits him to" when you want to express that someone is obligated to a specific action, agreement, or belief due to a prior decision or contract.

Common error

Avoid using "commits him to" when the obligation is merely a suggestion or possibility. This phrase indicates a firm, binding agreement or strong sense of duty.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "commits him to" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It signifies an obligation or binding agreement that someone must adhere to. Ludwig confirms the phrase's correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

39%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "commits him to" is a versatile verb phrase indicating obligation or dedication. Ludwig's analysis confirms that the expression is grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedic sources. It conveys accountability arising from agreements, promises, or principles. When choosing alternatives, consider the nuance you wish to express, such as formal duty ("obligates him to") or strong moral constraint ("binds him to"). Remember that it is important to ensure that the context warrants a firm, binding obligation before deploying the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

obligates him to

Emphasizes a formal or legal duty.

binds him to

Suggests a strong legal or moral constraint.

requires him to

Focuses on necessity due to a rule or situation.

compels him to

Implies a powerful force or influence driving the action.

forces him to

Highlights a lack of choice or external pressure.

ensures he will

Focuses on the certainty of the action occurring.

makes him responsible for

Highlights accountability for a task or outcome.

dedicates him to

Emphasizes a sense of devotion or purpose.

pledges him to

Suggests a formal promise or oath.

assigns him to

Focuses on the action of giving him the task or responsibility

FAQs

How can I use "commits him to" in a sentence?

Use "commits him to" to indicate an obligation or duty arising from an agreement, promise, or principle. For instance, "Signing the contract commits him to finishing the project on time."

What are some alternatives to "commits him to"?

Consider using alternatives such as "obligates him to", "binds him to", or "requires him to" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "commits him to" and "encourages him to"?

"Commits him to" implies a binding obligation, while "encourages him to" suggests a recommendation or suggestion without a formal commitment. The former denotes a duty, the latter, a preference.

When should I use "commits him to" versus "allows him to"?

"Commits him to" indicates a responsibility or obligation, while "allows him to" signifies permission or opportunity. Use "commits him to" when indicating duty and "allows him to" when indicating consent or possibility.