commission 30秒了解
- A formal group of people (e.g., The Election Commission).
- A percentage of money paid for a sale (e.g., 5% commission).
- A formal request to create something (e.g., an art commission).
- The act of doing something, like a crime (e.g., commission of a theft).
The term commission is a multifaceted noun that operates across three primary domains: professional tasks, organizational structures, and financial transactions. At its core, it represents the act of granting authority or a specific mandate to an individual or group. In the artistic and professional world, a commission is a formal request for the creation of a specific work—be it a portrait, a musical composition, or a technical report. This implies a contract where the creator is hired specifically to bring a vision to life. Beyond individual tasks, the word describes a formal body of people, often appointed by a government or international organization, tasked with investigating a specific issue or managing a public function. Finally, in the commercial sphere, it refers to the variable payment made to an agent or salesperson, typically calculated as a percentage of the total sale value.
- The Artistic Mandate
- A specific order for a work of art or a piece of music, often involving a detailed brief and a set deadline.
- The Official Body
- A group of officials chosen to perform a particular duty, such as the 'Election Commission' or the 'European Commission'.
- The Financial Incentive
- A sum of money paid to an employee upon completion of a task, usually selling a certain amount of goods or services.
"The renowned architect accepted a prestigious commission to design the new national library, a project that would define his legacy."
"The government established an independent commission to investigate the causes of the financial crisis."
"Real estate agents typically earn a 3% commission on the final sale price of a property."
"The officer received his commission after graduating from the military academy, granting him the rank of second lieutenant."
"The commission of the crime was caught on several high-definition security cameras."
Understanding 'commission' requires recognizing whether the focus is on the *authority* given, the *group* exercising that authority, or the *reward* for the work performed. In high-level English, it is rarely used for simple chores; it implies a formal, often legal or professional, arrangement. Whether it is a commission of inquiry or a sales commission, the underlying theme is the delegation of responsibility or the valuation of a specific outcome.
Using 'commission' correctly involves pairing it with the right verbs and prepositions depending on the intended meaning. Because it is a versatile noun, its grammatical environment shifts significantly between business, art, and law. When referring to money, we use verbs like 'earn', 'pay', or 'work on'. When referring to a task, we 'accept', 'receive', or 'carry out' a commission. When referring to a group, we 'establish', 'appoint', or 'serve on' a commission.
Collocations and Verb Pairings
- Financial: To earn a commission, to charge a commission, to work on commission (meaning your salary is based on sales).
- Professional/Artistic: To undertake a commission, to fulfill a commission, a private commission versus a public commission.
- Administrative: To set up a commission, to head a commission, to report to the commission.
Grammar Tip: 'Commission' is usually countable when referring to a task or a group ('three commissions', 'the two commissions'). However, when referring to the general concept of being paid via percentage, it can function as an uncountable noun ('He works on commission').
In formal writing, 'commission' is often used to describe the act of doing something wrong, specifically in the phrase 'sins of commission' (doing something you shouldn't) versus 'sins of omission' (failing to do something you should). This is a C2-level nuance that adds depth to ethical or legal discussions. Furthermore, in military contexts, 'to receive a commission' is the specific terminology for becoming an officer, distinguishing them from 'enlisted' personnel.
You will encounter 'commission' in four distinct environments, each with its own flavor. In Corporate Environments, it is the language of the sales floor and the boardroom. Sales representatives discuss their 'commission structures', while executives might discuss 'commissioning a market research study'. In Government and News, you will hear about 'Royal Commissions' (in the UK/Australia) or 'Congressional Commissions' (in the US). These are high-stakes investigative bodies that dominate headlines during scandals or major policy shifts.
In the Art World, 'commission' is the bread and butter of professional creators. An illustrator might say, 'I'm not taking new commissions right now,' meaning they are too busy with existing custom orders. Finally, in Historical and Military contexts, documentaries often mention 'commissioned officers', referring to those who hold a rank granted by a sovereign or a high government authority.
When listening to podcasts or reading journals, pay attention to the scale. A 'commission' is rarely a small, informal request between friends. It carries the weight of a formal agreement, whether that agreement is financial, creative, or political.
The most frequent error is confusing 'commission' with 'mission' or 'commitment'. While a 'mission' is a broad purpose or a specific journey, a 'commission' is the formal authority or payment associated with a task. You don't 'earn a mission' on a sale; you earn a commission. Similarly, 'commitment' refers to dedication, whereas 'commission' refers to the task itself or the group performing it.
- ✗"I received a commission to the gym every day." (Incorrect: Use 'commitment')
- ✓"I received a commission to write a symphony for the festival." (Correct: A formal task)
- ✗"The police are investigating the mission of the crime." (Incorrect: Use 'commission')
- ✓"The police are investigating the commission of the fraud." (Correct: The act of committing)
Another mistake involves the preposition. We say 'on commission' for sales pay, but 'by commission' is rarely used. When referring to a group, we say 'The Commission on Human Rights', not 'The Commission of Human Rights' (though 'of' is sometimes used, 'on' is more standard for the subject matter). Lastly, remember that 'commission' as a noun for a group is often treated as a singular entity ('The commission has decided'), but in British English, it can sometimes take a plural verb ('The commission have decided').
To truly master 'commission', you must understand its synonyms and how they differ in nuance. Depending on the context, you might choose a more specific word to sound more precise.
- Committee vs. Commission
- A committee is often a sub-group of a larger organization (like a school committee). A commission is usually more formal, often independent, and frequently appointed by a high authority for a specific, often temporary, investigation.
- Fee vs. Commission
- A fee is a fixed price for a service (like a lawyer's fee). A commission is typically a percentage of a larger sum (like a real estate commission).
- Mandate vs. Commission
- A mandate is the authority given by voters or a leader to carry out a policy. A commission is the specific task or the group assigned to do it.
- Assignment vs. Commission
- An assignment is a general task (like homework). A commission is more formal and often involves a contract or a professional/artistic creation.
In the context of 'the commission of a crime', the closest synonym is 'perpetration'. While 'perpetration' sounds very legalistic, 'commission' is the standard term used in the phrase 'commission of an offense' in legal codes.
How Formal Is It?
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难度评级
需要掌握的语法
按水平分级的例句
The commission is in the office.
The group of people.
Singular noun.
He gets a small commission.
Extra money.
Countable noun.
The city commission is big.
The local government group.
Subject-verb agreement.
Is there a commission for this?
A fee or task.
Question form.
The commission meets at ten.
The group starts their meeting.
Present simple for schedules.
She works for the commission.
She is an employee of the group.
Preposition 'for'.
They paid the commission.
They gave the money.
Past simple.
This is a new commission.
A new task or group.
Adjective + noun.
The salesman earns a 5% commission.
Percentage of sales.
Percentage + noun.
The commission will write a report.
The group will produce a document.
Future with 'will'.
She received a commission to paint a mural.
A formal request for art.
Noun + infinitive.
The elevator is out of commission.
Not working.
Idiomatic phrase.
He resigned from the commission.
He left the group.
Preposition 'from'.
The bank charges a high commission.
A fee for service.
Verb 'charge'.
They formed a commission to help the poor.
Created a group.
Verb 'form'.
The commission's decision was final.
The group's choice.
Possessive form.
Most real estate agents work solely on commission.
Their only pay is from sales.
Prepositional phrase 'on commission'.
The European Commission proposes new laws.
The EU's executive body.
Proper noun usage.
He accepted a commission from the local council.
A formal job offer.
Verb 'accept'.
The commission of the crime was caught on tape.
The act of doing the crime.
Formal usage.
We need to set up a commission of inquiry.
A group to investigate.
Compound noun.
The artist is working on a private commission.
A job for an individual.
Adjective 'private'.
The commission is composed of ten experts.
Made up of.
Passive structure.
They are debating the commission's findings.
The results of the investigation.
Gerund 'debating'.
The ship was placed in commission last month.
Made ready for service.
Nautical terminology.
The commission has a mandate to reform the tax system.
Official authority.
Noun 'mandate'.
Sales staff are often motivated by high commissions.
Financial incentives.
Passive voice.
The commission of such acts is strictly prohibited.
The performance of these actions.
Formal/Legal tone.
She was granted a commission in the Royal Air Force.
Became an officer.
Military context.
The building was a commission for the World's Fair.
Specifically ordered for an event.
Preposition 'for'.
The commission is currently reviewing the evidence.
Examining the facts.
Present continuous.
There is a 2% commission on all currency exchanges.
A fee for changing money.
Preposition 'on'.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission sought to heal the nation.
A specific historical body.
Historical proper noun.
The commission of the offense carries a mandatory prison sentence.
The act of committing the crime.
Legal phrasing.
He struggled with the commission of his duties under such pressure.
Performing his tasks.
Abstract usage.
The composer's latest commission premiered at the Albert Hall.
The new piece of music.
Possessive noun.
The commission has been criticized for its lack of transparency.
Not being open about actions.
Present perfect passive.
The agency takes a hefty commission from every booking.
A large percentage of money.
Adjective 'hefty'.
The commissioning of the power plant took several months.
The process of making it operational.
Gerund as subject.
The officer resigned his commission in protest of the war.
Gave up his rank.
Military idiom.
The intricate commission of the heist required months of planning.
The execution of the crime.
Nuanced noun usage.
She viewed her life's work as a divine commission.
A task given by a higher power.
Metaphorical usage.
The treaty provides for the establishment of a joint commission.
A shared regulatory body.
Diplomatic language.
The artist's refusal to accept the commission was seen as a political statement.
Declining a formal request.
Complex sentence structure.
The commission's report was a scathing indictment of the industry.
A very critical document.
Collocation 'scathing indictment'.
The broker's commission was contingent upon the deal's closure.
Only paid if the deal finishes.
Adjective 'contingent'.
The commission of the manuscript to the archives was a formal ceremony.
The act of entrusting/handing over.
Rare/Formal usage.
He was accused of sins of commission, actively undermining the project.
Wrongful actions taken.
Ethical/Philosophical idiom.
反义词
常见搭配
常用短语
Work on commission
In commission
Out of commission
Sins of commission
Commission of a crime
Receive a commission
Take a commission
Hefty commission
Standard commission
Independent commission
容易混淆的词
习语与表达
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容易混淆
句型
如何使用
Refers to the contract for a specific work.
Refers to the document and rank of an officer.
Refers to the process of bringing a system into operation.
- Confusing 'commission' with 'commitment'.
- Using 'of' instead of 'on' for sales pay.
- Saying 'I have a commission' when you just mean 'I have a job'.
- Misspelling it with one 's' or one 'm'.
- Confusing 'commission' (the act) with 'omission' (the lack of act).
小贴士
Countability
Remember that 'commission' (money) is often uncountable when used with 'on'.
Formal Writing
Use 'commission' instead of 'job' or 'group' to sound more professional.
Broken Stuff
Use 'out of commission' for a broken printer or a tired colleague.
Negotiation
When discussing pay, always clarify the 'commission structure'.
Portfolio
Artists should list their 'selected commissions' to show professional experience.
Crime
Use 'commission of an offense' in legal discussions.
Rank
Understand that 'commissioned' means the person is an officer.
Precision
Distinguish between a commission (the group) and its mandate (the power).
Root Word
Remember 'mission' is inside 'commission' to help you remember it's a task.
记住它
词源
Latin
文化背景
Royal Commissions are prestigious and independent.
Regulatory bodies like the FCC or SEC are called Commissions.
Commissions are the standard way public art is funded.
在生活中练习
真实语境
对话开场白
"Do you think sales jobs should be based only on commission?"
"Have you ever commissioned a piece of art or a craft?"
"What is the most famous government commission in your country?"
"Is the elevator in your building ever out of commission?"
"How much commission do real estate agents usually get here?"
日记主题
Describe a time you were given a formal commission to do something.
If you were to head a government commission, what issue would you investigate?
Write about the pros and cons of working on a commission-only salary.
Reflect on a 'sin of commission' you've witnessed in the news.
Imagine you are commissioning a statue of yourself. What would it look like?
常见问题
10 个问题It means something is not working, broken, or unavailable for use. It can apply to machines or even people if they are sick.
No, a salary is fixed, while a commission is usually a variable amount based on how much you sell.
It is the executive branch of the European Union, responsible for proposing legislation and implementing decisions.
Yes, but it implies a formal or professional request, usually involving payment.
An officer in the military who has received a formal document (commission) giving them their rank and authority.
No, it can also be a verb, meaning to formally ask someone to do a task or to make a system operational.
These are harmful actions that someone actively performs, as opposed to 'sins of omission', which are failures to act.
Usually by multiplying the total sale price by the commission percentage (e.g., $1000 * 5% = $50).
A formal group set up by a government to investigate a specific problem or event.
'On commission' refers to pay. 'In commission' (rare) refers to a ship being ready for service.
自我测试 180 个问题
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word 'commission' essentially means 'authority given'—whether that authority is to a group to investigate, to an artist to create, or to a salesperson to earn money from a deal.
- A formal group of people (e.g., The Election Commission).
- A percentage of money paid for a sale (e.g., 5% commission).
- A formal request to create something (e.g., an art commission).
- The act of doing something, like a crime (e.g., commission of a theft).
Context is Key
Always check if the context is business, art, or government to find the right meaning.
Countability
Remember that 'commission' (money) is often uncountable when used with 'on'.
Formal Writing
Use 'commission' instead of 'job' or 'group' to sound more professional.
Broken Stuff
Use 'out of commission' for a broken printer or a tired colleague.
例句
He earned a small commission for selling the vintage car to a collector.
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"He earned a small commission for selling the vintage car to a collector."
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"He earned a small commission for selling the vintage car to a collector."
在语境中学习
这个词在其他语言中
更多Business词汇
abmercship
C1Pertaining to a state of total independence from commercial markets and mercantile influences. It describes systems, behaviors, or entities that operate entirely outside the traditional framework of trade and monetary exchange.
account
A2解释或说明某事发生的原因，通常涉及责任。
accountant
B2会计师是负责维护、检查和分析财务记录的专业人员。
acquisition
B2Acquisition refers to the process of obtaining or gaining something, such as a new skill, a physical object, or a company. It is frequently used to describe how people learn languages naturally or how businesses buy other businesses.
acumen
B2Acumen is the ability to make quick, accurate judgments and wise decisions, especially in a specific domain such as business or politics. it implies a combination of mental sharpness, insight, and practical experience.
administrate
B2To manage, supervise, or oversee the operations and activities of an organization, program, or system. It involves the practical execution of policies and the organization of resources to achieve specific goals.
administration
C1行政是指管理组织、企业或政府的过程和活动。
administrative
C1与企业、机构或政府的管理和组织有关的。
advertisement
A1An advertisement is a notice, picture, or short film that tells people about a product, service, or job. Its main purpose is to persuade people to buy something or to provide information to the public.
advertiser
B2指付费做广告以推广其产品、服务或想法的个人或公司。
