committee
High (B1+). Common in formal, business, academic, and organizational contexts.Formal to neutral. Rarely used in casual, intimate conversation unless referring to a specific known group.
Definition
Meaning
A group of people appointed, elected, or chosen to perform a specific function, make decisions, or consider, investigate, or report on a particular matter. It implies a formal, delegated authority.
The concept can extend to any organized subgroup within a larger body (e.g., a legislative committee) or be used in a semi-humorous way to refer to a group making a decision (e.g., 'a committee of one'). In British English, it can also refer to the whole group of people entrusted with the management of an organization.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a collective noun. It can be used with a singular or plural verb, depending on whether the emphasis is on the group as a single unit ('the committee has decided') or on the individual members ('the committee are divided'). This singular/plural distinction is more strictly observed in British English.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
BrE more readily uses plural verbs/pronouns with 'committee' (treating it as a group of individuals). AmE strongly prefers singular verbs/pronouns (treating it as a single entity). In BrE, 'the committee' can refer to the entire governing body of an organization (e.g., a club's committee).
Connotations
Similar in both varieties, suggesting bureaucracy, deliberation, and shared responsibility. Can have slightly negative connotations of inefficiency or indecisiveness.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both varieties, but the contexts of use (local government, clubs, organizations) might be marginally more common in BrE public life.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The committee [verb: decided/recommended/voted]She serves on the [adjective: planning/executive] committeeThe matter was referred to a committee.A committee was established to [infinitive: investigate the issue].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A committee is a cul-de-sac down which ideas are lured and then quietly strangled. (humorous critique)”
- “A camel is a horse designed by a committee. (critique of design by compromise)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Project approval requires sign-off from the executive committee.
Academic
Her research proposal was reviewed by the university ethics committee.
Everyday
The school's parent-teacher committee is organising the summer fair.
Technical
The bill is now with the House subcommittee for markup.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- N/A. The verb 'to committee' is obsolete.
American English
- N/A. The verb 'to committee' is obsolete.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A. 'Committee' is not used as a standard adjective.
American English
- N/A. 'Committee' is not used as a standard adjective.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- We have a class committee.
- The committee meets every week.
- She was elected to the student committee.
- The committee will make a decision next month.
- After lengthy deliberation, the committee issued its recommendations.
- He chairs the committee responsible for health and safety.
- The bill was gutted by the appropriations committee before reaching the floor.
- The committee's remit was deliberately narrow, precluding discussion of broader policy issues.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a group of people COMing to siT and TEE off ideas. (COM-mi-TEE).
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMITTEE IS A CONTAINER (for discussion), COMMITTEE IS A MACHINE (for decision-making), often framed negatively as COMMITTEE IS A BEAST (slow, unwieldy).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с 'комиссия' (commission), которая часто является временным органом с более узкой задачей. 'Committee' часто более постоянная и внутренняя структура (комитет). В русском 'комитет' часто ассоциируется с государственными структурами (Госдума), в английском - с любыми организациями.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling: comittee, commitee. | Using plural verb in AmE where singular is expected: 'The committee are...' (AmE) → 'The committee is...'. | Using incorrect preposition: 'in the committee' (usually 'on the committee').
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence demonstrates the most common American English usage?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on the variety of English and the intended meaning. American English almost always uses a singular verb. British English can use either: singular to emphasise the unit ('The committee has decided'), plural to emphasise the individual members ('The committee are arguing').
A commission is typically a formal, official group appointed by a government or authority to investigate or control something, often with legal powers. A committee is usually a subgroup within a larger organization (like a company, parliament, or club) formed to deal with specific tasks. Commissions are often temporary and investigative; committees can be permanent.
A steering committee is a high-level group that provides strategic guidance, direction, and oversight for a project or organisation. It doesn't do the day-to-day work but sets priorities and makes key decisions.
Yes, informally and often humorously. For example: 'I consulted the committee (meaning my family) about holiday plans.' or calling a indecisive group of friends 'a committee'.
Explore