Omission vs Commission: Unraveling Commonly Confused Terms

As a writer, it is important to understand the difference between omission and commission. These two terms are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings that can greatly impact the clarity of your writing.

Omission is the act of leaving something out or failing to include it. Commission, on the other hand, is the act of doing something or taking action. Both terms can be used in a variety of contexts, but it is important to use them correctly to avoid confusion.

In this article, we will explore the differences between omission and commission and how they can affect your writing. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of when to use each term and how to avoid common mistakes.

Define Omission

Omission refers to the act of leaving out or neglecting to do something that should have been done. It is the failure to perform an action that is expected or required. In other words, omission involves not doing something that should have been done, resulting in a lack of action or failure to act.

Define Commission

Commission, on the other hand, refers to the act of performing an action or carrying out a task. It involves taking action or doing something that is expected or required. Commission is the opposite of omission, as it involves actively doing something rather than neglecting to do it.

Here is a table summarizing the differences between omission and commission:

	Omission	Commission
Definition	The act of leaving out or neglecting to do something	The act of performing an action or carrying out a task
Action	No action taken	Action taken
Result	Lack of action or failure to act	Action performed or task completed

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using the right words in a sentence is crucial to convey the intended meaning and avoid confusion. Two words that are often confused are omission and commission. In this section, we will discuss how to use these words correctly in a sentence.

How To Use Omission In A Sentence

Omission refers to the act of leaving something out or failing to include it. It can be used in various contexts, such as in legal documents, academic writing, or everyday conversations. Here are some examples of how to use omission in a sentence:

• The contract contained an omission that led to a misunderstanding between the parties.
• The report had several omissions that made it difficult to understand the findings.
• She was criticized for the omission of important details in her presentation.

As you can see, omission is used to describe something that was not done or included. It can also refer to a mistake or error of leaving something out.

How To Use Commission In A Sentence

Commission, on the other hand, refers to the act of doing something or carrying out a task. It can also refer to the authority given to someone to perform a specific duty. Here are some examples of how to use commission in a sentence:

• The salesperson received a commission for closing the deal.
• The committee was formed to investigate the commission of the crime.
• The artist received a commission to create a mural for the new building.

As you can see, commission is used to describe an action that was taken or a task that was performed. It can also refer to the authority given to someone to perform a specific duty.

By understanding the difference between omission and commission, you can use these words correctly in your writing and speaking to convey the intended meaning and avoid confusion.

More Examples Of Omission & Commission Used In Sentences

When it comes to understanding the difference between omission and commission, it’s important to have a clear understanding of how these terms can be used in sentences. In this section, we’ll explore more examples of how omission and commission can be used in a variety of contexts.

Examples Of Using Omission In A Sentence

• She didn’t mention the deadline in her email.
• He left out the most important details in his report.
• The recipe calls for sugar, but I chose to omit it.
• The author deliberately left out certain details to create suspense.
• She failed to disclose her conflicts of interest to her colleagues.
• He didn’t include the necessary attachments in his email.
• The company’s financial statements omitted important information about their liabilities.
• He didn’t tell the whole truth during his testimony.
• The brochure left out key information about the product’s limitations.
• The witness chose to remain silent and omit any details about the crime.

Examples Of Using Commission In A Sentence

• The contractor was commissioned to build a new office building.
• The artist was commissioned to create a portrait of the CEO.
• The sales team was given a commission for each sale they made.
• The company paid a commission to the broker for finding a buyer for their property.
• The government commissioned a study to determine the impact of the new policy.
• The author was commissioned to write a book about the history of the city.
• The architect was commissioned to design a new public library.
• The company received a commission for selling the product to a new market.
• The artist received a commission for creating a sculpture for the public park.
• The consultant was commissioned to provide recommendations for improving the company’s operations.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using omission and commission, there are common mistakes that people make by using these two terms interchangeably. However, it is important to note that they are not the same and have different meanings. Here are some of the common mistakes to avoid:

Using Omission And Commission Interchangeably

One of the most common mistakes people make is using omission and commission interchangeably. Omission refers to something that is left out or not done, while commission refers to something that is done or carried out. For instance, if you forget to include a crucial detail in a report, that is an omission. On the other hand, if you add an unnecessary detail to a report, that is a commission. Using these two terms interchangeably can lead to confusion and misinterpretation of information.

Confusing Omission With Commission

Another mistake people make is confusing omission with commission. Omission is when something is left out or not done, while commission is when something is done. Confusing the two can result in incorrect information being presented. For example, if a report states that a task was not completed, it is an omission. However, if the report states that the task was completed, but it was not done correctly, it is a commission.

Not Understanding The Context

It is important to understand the context in which omission and commission are being used. For instance, in legal terms, omission refers to a failure to act, while commission refers to an act that is prohibited by law. Failing to understand the context can lead to misinterpretation of information and can have serious consequences.

Tips To Avoid These Mistakes

Here are some tips to help you avoid these common mistakes:

• Understand the difference between omission and commission
• Use the terms in the correct context
• Double-check your work to ensure that you are using the correct term
• Ask for clarification if you are unsure about the meaning of a term

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your communication is clear and accurate, and that you are using the correct term for the situation.

Context Matters

When it comes to making decisions, the choice between omission and commission can depend greatly on the context in which they are used. Omission refers to the act of not doing something, while commission refers to the act of doing something. Understanding when to use each can be crucial in making the right decision.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Let’s take a look at some different contexts and how the choice between omission and commission might change:

Medical Treatment

• Commission: A doctor may choose to commission a certain treatment or surgery for a patient in order to improve their health.
• Omission: On the other hand, a doctor may choose to omit a certain treatment or surgery if it could potentially harm the patient or if the patient refuses the treatment.

Business Decisions

• Commission: A business owner may commission a new product or service in order to expand their offerings and increase revenue.
• Omission: However, the same business owner may choose to omit a certain product or service if it does not align with their brand or if it could potentially harm their reputation.

Legal Proceedings

• Commission: A lawyer may commission a certain legal action in order to defend their client or seek justice for a victim.
• Omission: On the other hand, a lawyer may choose to omit certain evidence or information if it could potentially harm their case or if it is not relevant to the proceedings.

As you can see, the choice between omission and commission can greatly depend on the context in which they are used. It is important to carefully consider the potential consequences and weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using omission and commission are generally straightforward, there are certain exceptions where they may not apply. In these cases, it is important to understand the nuances of the situation and adjust your writing accordingly.

Exceptions For Omission

One exception to the rule of using omission is when the omitted information is necessary for clarity or understanding. For example, if you are writing a technical manual and leave out a crucial step in a process, the reader may not be able to complete the task successfully. In this case, it is better to include the information rather than to omit it.

Another exception to the rule of omission is when the omitted information is required by law or regulation. For instance, if you are writing a contract and fail to include a required clause, the contract may be invalid. In these cases, it is important to double-check the requirements and ensure that all necessary information is included.

Exceptions For Commission

Similarly, there are exceptions to the rule of commission. One example is when the included information is potentially harmful or damaging. For instance, if you are writing a news article and include false information, you may be liable for defamation. In this case, it is better to err on the side of caution and omit the information.

Another exception to the rule of commission is when the included information is redundant or unnecessary. Including too much information can be overwhelming for the reader and detract from the main message. In these cases, it is important to carefully consider what information is essential and what can be left out.

While the rules for using omission and commission are generally straightforward, there are certain exceptions that must be taken into account. By understanding these exceptions and adjusting your writing accordingly, you can ensure that your message is clear, concise, and effective.

Practice Exercises

Improving your understanding and use of omission and commission in sentences requires practice. Here are some practice exercises that can help:

Exercise 1: Omission

Read the following sentences and identify the words or phrases that can be omitted without changing the meaning of the sentence:

1.	The cat sat on the mat.
2.	He went to the store to buy some milk.
3.	She is a doctor who works in the emergency room.

Answer key:

1.	The cat sat on the mat.
2.	He went to the store to buy some milk.
3.	She is a doctor who works in the emergency room.

Exercise 2: Commission

Read the following sentences and add the missing words or phrases to make the sentence complete:

1.	The cat sat _____ the mat.
2.	He went to the store _____ some milk.
3.	She is a doctor _____ works in the emergency room.

Answer key:

1.	The cat sat on the mat.
2.	He went to the store to buy some milk.
3.	She is a doctor who works in the emergency room.

By practicing these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of omission and commission in sentences.

Conclusion

After exploring the concepts of omission and commission in grammar and language use, it is clear that both play a crucial role in effective communication. Omission involves leaving out certain words or phrases, while commission involves adding unnecessary words or phrases.

It is important to understand the difference between the two and use them appropriately in different contexts. Omission can be used to create a more concise and clear message, while commission can be used to add emphasis or clarify a point.

However, it is also important to be aware of the potential pitfalls of both omission and commission. Omission can lead to confusion or ambiguity, while commission can result in wordiness or redundancy.

Overall, a balanced approach to language use that takes into account the context and purpose of communication is key. By continuing to learn about grammar and language use, readers can improve their communication skills and become more effective communicators.