• Commission: This term refers to a formal authorization or directive, often granting the power to perform certain duties or tasks. In business, it also denotes a fee or percentage paid to a salesperson for a successful transaction or service.
  • Comission: This spelling is incorrect.

    Here are some real-life examples of commission in various industries:
Real Estate: Real estate agents often earn a commission based on the sale of a property. This is typically a percentage of the final sale price. For example, a real estate agent might earn a 3% commission on the sale of a house.

Sales Representatives: Salespeople in various industries, such as pharmaceuticals, technology, or insurance, often earn commissions based on the sales they generate. The commission may be a percentage of the total sales value.

Art Sales: Art dealers and galleries may pay artists a commission on the sale of their artwork. The commission is a percentage of the sale price, and it compensates the gallery for its efforts in promoting and selling the artwork.

Stock Brokers: Brokers in the financial industry earn commissions on the trades they execute for clients. This can be a fixed fee per trade or a percentage of the total transaction value.

If you want a real life example of commission, the hit reality TV show Selling Sunset gives us a glimpse into real estate commissions.  In Selling Sunset, all the realtors talk about earning commission on the beautiful mansions they sell in Los Angeles. It's worth noting that the high-end properties featured on the show can result in substantial commission payouts when a sale is successfully closed. The drama in the show often revolves around the competitive nature of the real estate business, the relationships among the agents, and the high-stakes deals involved in selling luxury properties.

While "Selling Sunset" dramatizes certain aspects for entertainment purposes, it does provide some insights into the real-world workings of real estate commissions in the luxury market. With this real life example in our hand let's explore the word "commission" in more detail.

When and How to Use

Below is a graph showcasing the usage of commission from 1800s to 2023.

Commission

Use "Commission" when referring to an official authorization, a directive, or a fee paid to a salesperson.

The word "commission" can be used in different ways in a sentence, and its position depends on the context. Here are a few examples:

Subject of the Sentence:

  • "Commission" can be the subject of a sentence.
  • Example: "Commission rates vary in different industries."

Direct Object:

  • It can also function as the direct object of a verb.
  • Example: "The real estate agent earned a substantial commission on that sale."

Indirect Object:

  • In some cases, "commission" can act as the indirect object.
  • Example: "The company paid the salesperson a commission for exceeding the quarterly targets."

Prepositional Phrase:

  • It may appear in a prepositional phrase.
  • Example: "The artist receives a commission for each painting sold through the gallery."

Object of a Preposition:

  • "Commission" can be the object of a preposition.
  • Example: "The broker negotiated a higher commission for their hard work."

Examples from the web

"In opposition O'Farrell said the Liberal/Nationals coalition would not approve the mine, but the application has been progressing with the planning assessment commission yet to make a decision on it." - The Guardian
"In November Obeid told the commission he had not disclosed his sons' interests in the business because he wanted his lobbying to be taken on 'merit'." - The Guardian
"Counsel assisting the commission, Geoffrey Watson, said he had been of the opinion that George had done nothing wrong." - The Guardian

Comission

Avoid using "Comission" as it is an incorrect spelling and may result in misunderstandings. Always opt for the correct form, "Commission."

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Tricks to Remember the Difference

Commission: Think of it as a formal position or a financial reward for a job well done. The double 's' is your cue for the correct spelling.

Comission: Recognize that this spelling is incorrect. The correct version always has a double 's' in the middle.

Synonyms

Synonyms for "Commission":

  1. Authorization: "The committee received authorization to investigate the matter thoroughly."
  2. Mandate: "The government issued a mandate for the committee to propose new policies."

Antonyms

Antonyms for "Commission":

  1. Omission: "The report was thorough, but there was an unfortunate omission of crucial details."
  2. Denial: "The government issued a denial of the commission's request for additional funding."

Common Idioms

While these terms might not directly tie to idiomatic expressions, understanding idioms related to business and authority can provide context:

  1. Call the shots: To have the authority to make decisions.
  2. Pass the buck: To transfer responsibility to someone else.

Summary

In conclusion, "Commission" is the correct term, referring to an official authorization, directive, or a fee paid for services, while "Comission" is an incorrect spelling to be avoided. Mastering these distinctions ensures clarity and precision in your communication, particularly in professional and business contexts where these terms are frequently used. Remember, the double 's' is the key to commissioning success!


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References:

Definition of COMMISSION
a formal written warrant granting the power to perform various acts or duties; a certificate conferring military rank and authority; also : the rank and authority so conferred; an authorization or command to act in a prescribed manner or to perform prescribed acts : charge… See the full definition