department of commerce
C1Formal, official, governmental
Definition
Meaning
A government ministry or agency responsible for trade, business, economic development, and industry.
Specifically, the official title of the cabinet-level department in the United States federal government that promotes economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development through trade, technology, entrepreneurship, and statistical analysis.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Capitalized when referring to a specific national government entity (e.g., the US Department of Commerce). Lowercase can be used generically for similar departments in other countries or sub-national governments.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the US, it is a specific, prominent federal department. In the UK and many Commonwealth countries, the functions are typically split between departments with names like 'Department for Business and Trade' (UK) or 'Ministry of Commerce'.
Connotations
US: Strong association with federal economic policy, census, patents, and NOAA. UK/Commonwealth: The phrase is less common as a proper noun; the concept is covered by other ministerial portfolios.
Frequency
Much higher frequency in American English due to its status as a major federal department. Lower frequency in British English as a set phrase.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[The/Our] Department of Commerce + [verb: issued, reported, regulates, oversees]According to + the Department of CommerceData from + the Department of CommerceVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No direct idioms, but appears in set phrases like 'by the book (of the Department of Commerce)'.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Businesses consult the Department of Commerce for export regulations and economic data.
Academic
Researchers cite Department of Commerce statistics in economic papers.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation unless discussing government or economic news.
Technical
Central to discussions of US trade law, patent registration, and national economic indicators.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The new ministry will commerce-regulate from next quarter.
- (Note: 'Department of Commerce' is not verbed in standard use.)
American English
- The agency needs to department-of-commerce its findings. (Note: Not standard; used humorously or informally to mean 'process through official channels'.)
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial form derived from the noun phrase.)
American English
- (No standard adverbial form derived from the noun phrase.)
adjective
British English
- She reviewed the department-of-commerce guidelines for imports. (Hyphenated attributive use)
American English
- He has a Department of Commerce background. (Proper noun as adjective)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The Department of Commerce is in Washington.
- The Department of Commerce makes reports about the economy.
- According to the latest Department of Commerce figures, exports have risen by 3%.
- The U.S. Department of Commerce has initiated an anti-dumping investigation into imported steel, which could lead to significant tariffs.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: DEPART-ment for business partners. The department that partners with commerce.
Conceptual Metaphor
GOVERNMENT IS A MACHINE / BUSINESS: The department is a 'component' or 'service centre' for the nation's economic 'machine'.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate as "коммерческий отдел" (commercial department of a company). It's a state body: "министерство торговли" or "департамент по торговле".
- Avoid confusion with the Ministry of Economic Development (Минэкономразвития), which has broader functions.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect capitalisation in generic contexts (e.g., 'a department of commerce').
- Using 'of' instead of 'for' when mimicking British equivalents (e.g., 'Department for Commerce' is not standard in US context).
Practice
Quiz
What is a primary function of the US Department of Commerce?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, its name, structure, and exact responsibilities vary significantly. The US Department of Commerce is a specific entity with a defined role in the US government.
Its key functions include gathering economic and demographic data (Census Bureau), granting patents and trademarks, setting industrial standards, promoting trade, and overseeing weather forecasting (NOAA).
Yes, 'Commerce Department' is a common and accepted shorter form, especially in American English journalism and informal contexts.
It is led by the Secretary of Commerce, a cabinet member appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.