he was commissioned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he was commissioned" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a person being given a task or responsibility by someone in a position of authority. Example: John was commissioned by his boss to lead the new project.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was commissioned rear admiral, retired, on July 25 , 1866

Encyclopedia Britannica

He was commissioned in 2007 and granted his wish.

The New York Times

He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Marines.

The New York Times

He was commissioned in the Coast Guard in 1958.

The Washington Post

He was commissioned in the Navy in 1953.

The New York Times

He was commissioned in September of 1942 at Quantico, Virginia.

The New York Times

In 1941, he was commissioned a United States Navy aviator.

The New York Times

Soon afterward, in 1973, he was commissioned to design the sculpture honoring Gen. Donovan.

Columbia University

Back in 1977, he was commissioned to make a pair of chairs to accompany a desk.

Independent

He was commissioned in the Welsh Guards in 1939 and began training as a tank commander.

The New York Times - Arts

Back in England he was commissioned in the intelligence corps and sent to the Middle East.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he was commissioned" when emphasizing the formal nature of an assignment or the authority behind it. It is especially suitable when discussing military appointments, artistic endeavors, or official tasks.

Common error

Avoid using "he was commissioned" when simply meaning "he started" or "he began". "Commissioned" implies an official authorization or order, not just the commencement of an activity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he was commissioned" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that someone received authorization or an order to perform a specific task. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, providing numerous examples across diverse sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Encyclopedias

27%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Wiki

15%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he was commissioned" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that indicates an official assignment or authorization. According to Ludwig AI, it is commonly found in news, encyclopedias, academic writing, and Wikipedia articles. The phrase signals a formal delegation of responsibility, particularly for specific projects or roles. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the official nature of the assignment, avoiding confusion with simple beginnings or employment. Consider alternatives like "he was appointed" or "he was tasked" to fine-tune the message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he was appointed

Focuses on the act of formally assigning someone to a position.

he was tasked

Emphasizes the assignment of a specific duty or responsibility.

he was authorized

Highlights the granting of official permission or power to act.

he was assigned

Indicates the act of being given a particular job or duty.

he was charged

Suggests being entrusted with a specific responsibility or task.

he was designated

Implies a formal selection or nomination for a particular role.

he was mandated

Highlights the authoritative requirement to perform a duty.

he was empowered

Focuses on granting the necessary power or authority to act.

he was licensed

Specifies that someone has received a formal license or permission.

he was hired

Focuses on being employed to perform a job.

FAQs

How can I use "he was commissioned" in a sentence?

Use "he was commissioned" to indicate that someone was officially instructed or authorized to perform a specific task. For instance, "he was commissioned to design the new city hall".

What's the difference between "he was commissioned" and "he was hired"?

"He was commissioned" implies a formal authorization or instruction, often for a specific project or role with a degree of prestige or authority. "He was hired", on the other hand, simply means he was employed for a job.

What are some alternatives to "he was commissioned"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "he was appointed", "he was tasked", or "he was authorized depending on the specific meaning you want to convey".

Is it correct to use "he was commissioned" in a non-military context?

Yes, "he was commissioned" is not limited to military contexts. It can be used in various fields, such as art, architecture, and public service, to indicate that someone has been officially assigned to a particular project or role.