special committee

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "special committee" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific group formed for a particular purpose, often within organizations or governmental bodies. Example: "The board has established a special committee to address the recent concerns regarding financial transparency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It also asked the special committee to reverse its opinion.

The New York Times

Morgan Stanley advised the special committee of the Quest board.

The New York Times

Chancellor Strine first faulted the work of the special committee.

The New York Times

The main reason is the protections the special committee imposed.

The New York Times

One of the special committee directors, E. Rolland Dickson, served on the special committee that approved the 2003 buyout.

The New York Times

They are typically high achievers chosen by a special committee.

The New York Times

The special committee also is considering the group's proposal.

The New York Times

The special committee was created to investigate the payments.

The New York Times

Jefferies & Company was financial adviser to the special committee.

The New York Times

He also represented the special committee and the company itself.

The New York Times

Covington & Burley are working for the company's special committee.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "special committee", clearly define its specific purpose and scope to avoid ambiguity. Mention who established the committee and what it is expected to achieve.

Common error

Avoid creating a "special committee" with responsibilities that overlap with existing committees or departments within the organization. Clearly delineate its unique focus.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "special committee" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific group formed for a particular purpose. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, showing frequent use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "special committee" is a grammatically sound noun phrase commonly used to refer to a group formed for a specific purpose. Ludwig AI confirms that the expression is correct and widely used. It typically functions to designate a temporary body created for a focused task or investigation. Its register is generally neutral to professional, with frequent occurrences in news, business, and scientific contexts. When using "special committee", clearly defining its purpose and avoiding overlap with existing structures is crucial.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Ad hoc committee

Focuses on the committee being formed for a specific, often temporary, purpose.

Task force

Implies a more focused and urgent assignment than a general committee.

Working group

Suggests a collaborative and hands-on approach to addressing a particular issue.

Select committee

Often used in governmental contexts to indicate a committee chosen for a particular task.

Inquiry panel

Suggests a group formed to investigate a specific matter or incident.

Review board

Implies a group tasked with evaluating and assessing something.

Steering committee

Refers to a group that guides and directs a project or organization.

Commission of inquiry

Suggests a formal investigation, often with legal or governmental authority.

Expert panel

Highlights the expertise and specialized knowledge of the committee members.

Independent board

Stresses the autonomy and impartiality of the group.

FAQs

How is a "special committee" different from a standing committee?

A "special committee" is formed for a specific, temporary purpose, while a standing committee is a permanent part of an organization with ongoing responsibilities.

What is the purpose of forming a "special committee"?

A "special committee" is typically formed to address a specific issue, conduct an investigation, or complete a project that falls outside the scope of regular committees.

Who typically appoints members to a "special committee"?

The authority to appoint members to a "special committee" usually rests with the organization's governing body, such as a board of directors or executive leadership.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "special committee"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "ad hoc committee", "task force", or "working group".