deputation

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "deputation" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a group of people appointed to undertake a specific task or represent others, often in a formal context. Example: "The deputation met with the city council to discuss the proposed changes to the local zoning laws." Alternatives include "delegation" or "representative group."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

According to one theory, as early as next week a deputation of senior figures will inform him that unless he resigns with dignity a formal leadership challenge is inevitable.

The Economist

On September 18th and 19th Mr García will head a deputation, including half his cabinet and more than 200 business leaders, to see Brazil's president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, in São Paulo.With luck, it will be a fruitful visit.

The Economist

(Mr Ashcroft once refused to sign off on the legality of a wiretapping programme when he was attorney-general; Mr Gonzales joined a White House deputation to his sick bed to try to force him).

The Economist

Erzberger headed the German deputation to the Truce Commission of Compiègne, Fr., where, on November 11, he signed the Armistice.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A deputation of the estates of Lower Austria tried to make him renounce Bohemia in a peace treaty and demanded religious concessions for themselves, unsuccessfully.

Encyclopedia Britannica

While Jinnah and the Aga Khan III led among the British Indian delegation a deputation of 16 Muslims, no Congress Party deputation joined the first session, as Gandhi and his leading lieutenants were all in jail at the time.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He received a royal commission to the deputation sent to discuss with the papal representatives at Brugge the outstanding differences between England and Rome, such as papal taxes and appointments to church posts.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A permanent deputation drawn from the estates supervised public works.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He urged his brothers to break with the Corsican patriot Pasquale Paoli, and he headed a Corsican deputation that went to France to denounce Paoli and to solicit aid against him.

Encyclopedia Britannica

After the eighth Guru, Hari Krishen, the "child Guru," told his followers that his successor would be found in the village of Bakāla, a deputation went there and found 22 claimants.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Pretoria Convention of August 1881 did not remove the grievances of the Transvaal Boers, and when a Boer deputation went to England in 1883 to obtain a revision of the terms, Robinson was summoned to London for the deliberations that led to the London Convention of February 1884.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "deputation", ensure the context clearly indicates the group's purpose and the authority behind their appointment.

Common error

Avoid using "deputation" in informal contexts; it is generally more appropriate for formal or official situations. Use "group" or "team" in casual settings.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "deputation" is as a noun, referring to a body of people appointed to represent others. Ludwig shows that the word is used in various contexts, mainly in news, encyclopedias and formal/business fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Encyclopedias

36%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

6%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "deputation" is a noun referring to a group of people appointed to represent others, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is grammatically correct and most frequently encountered in news, encyclopedias, and formal business contexts. Ludwig AI also suggests that while it shares similarities with "delegation", "deputation" tends to carry a more formal tone. When writing, remember that while grammatically correct, this word is better placed in formal contexts and should be avoided in informal settings. Using related terms like "delegation" or "mission" can provide alternative ways to express the same concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

delegation

Replaces "deputation" with a more common synonym, referring to a group of representatives.

delegation of representatives

Emphasizes the representative nature of the group, adding clarity.

commission

Suggests a group appointed for a specific task or purpose.

mission

Highlights the purpose or objective of the group's visit or task.

contingent

Implies a group that is part of a larger assembly or event.

embassy

Refers to a group representing a government or state.

legation

Similar to embassy but may imply a lower rank or status.

group of envoys

Emphasizes the role of messengers or representatives.

official representatives

Highlights the formal and authorized nature of the group.

appointed representatives

Focuses on the act of being chosen or assigned.

FAQs

How can I use "deputation" in a sentence?

You can use "deputation" to describe a group of people appointed to represent others, such as "The "deputation" met with the manager to discuss the workers' concerns".

What is a synonym for "deputation"?

A common synonym for "deputation" is "delegation", which also refers to a group of people chosen to represent others.

What's the difference between "deputation" and "delegation"?

While "deputation" and "delegation" are often used interchangeably, "deputation" can sometimes imply a more formal or specific assignment.

Is "deputation" formal or informal?

"Deputation" is generally considered a formal term, suitable for official or professional contexts, while terms like "group" or "team" are more informal.