committal

USAGE SUMMARY

'committal' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to refer to the act of committing someone to a prison or other form of detention. For example: "The court's committal of the defendant to prison was the final outcome of the trial."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

He will appear in court next month for a committal hearing.

The Guardian - Business

The court should hold a pro-forma committal hearing by April 15th, after which the trial would normally begin in 110 days.

The Economist

In many other systems, the case would never have gone beyond the committal stage.Pivotal to the evidence against Ms Knox was a statement she made to police in which she said her flatmate had been killed by another African, the owner of a bar where she worked.

The Economist

In the case of some biblical literature, there exists the real possibility, though it cannot be proven, that it must have endured a long period of oral transmission before its committal to writing.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The one that is least committal might perhaps be usefully described as the official position regarding LOTH's treatment of intentionality.

SEP

Unless there are agents cognizant of and acting on some rules of action, talk of any rules, including the apparently less committal rules of criticism, turns out to be empty.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Ask how long it takes the band to write a song, and Tommy is again non-committal: "It depends.

The Guardian - Music

Asked who would bear the burden of the massive welfare cut, Lee was non-committal.

The Guardian

When asked after the final if he is sees himself remaining at North End, Beckford was noticeably non-committal.

The Guardian - Sport

As adamant as the group is about their own direction, they are non-committal about the direction of others: "What's in the charts now is OK, I guess.

The Guardian - Music

So why was Merkel so non-committal?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "committal" when you specifically want to refer to the act of entrusting, confining, or dedicating something or someone. It is especially useful in legal or formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "committal" interchangeably with "commitment". "Commitment" refers to a pledge or dedication, while "committal" refers to the act of entrusting or confining someone or something. Using the wrong word can alter the intended meaning of your sentence.

Linguistic Context

Committal primarily functions as a noun, denoting the act of entrusting something to someone or committing someone to confinement. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in referring to acts of confinement, entrustment, or dedication.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "committal" is a noun that refers to the act of entrusting, confining, or dedicating something or someone, and is deemed grammatically correct by Ludwig. Examples of its use appear in news, scientific, and encyclopedia contexts. While its usage isn't frequent, it serves a specific purpose in legal and formal contexts. Be mindful not to confuse it with "commitment". Remember that "committal" describes the act of entrusting or confining, while "commitment" refers to the pledge or dedication itself.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

commitment to

Highlights the state of being dedicated to a cause or action.

act of entrusting

Focuses on the action of giving responsibility or care to someone.

entrustment of

Stresses the act of giving something valuable into someone's care.

act of confinement

Specifically highlights the act of restricting someone's freedom.

incarceration order

Refers specifically to a legal directive for imprisonment.

act of dedication

Emphasizes a strong commitment or devotion to a particular cause.

internment process

Describes the procedures involved in detaining individuals, particularly during wartime.

commission of

Highlights the act of perpetrating an offense or crime.

burial rites

Refers to the ceremonial acts involved in placing a body in its final resting place.

cremation ceremony

Highlights the ritualistic aspects of burning a deceased body.

FAQs

How is "committal" used in legal contexts?

In legal contexts, "committal" often refers to the act of sending someone to prison or a mental institution by court order. For example, a judge might issue a "committal order".

What's the difference between "commitment" and "committal"?

"Commitment" refers to a pledge or dedication to something, whereas "committal" refers to the act of entrusting, confining, or formally sending someone or something to a specific place or state.

What are some synonyms for "committal" related to burial?

In the context of burial or cremation, synonyms for "committal" include "burial rites" or "cremation ceremony", which emphasize the ceremonial aspect of placing a body in its final resting place.

When is it appropriate to use "committal" in a sentence?

"Committal" is appropriate when describing the act of formally sending someone to a specific place, such as prison or a mental institution, or when referring to the entrusting of something important to someone's care. Consider sentences like, "The court ordered his committal to a psychiatric facility."