Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[hanygeorge38]

Dear Teachers,

What is the difference bettween authorise and commission and which one of them to use in formal writtings

Another question what is the difference past participil and present participil

Thanks
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hany

[obelix]

There is not much difference.
To commission, is a transitive verb that means to empower or authorize by a commission (the authority to perform a certain task or duties)
To authorize is a transitive verb that means to sanction, or to give authority.
A commission is usually a written authorization, whereas you can authorize someone to do something, verbally.
I think you would use "authorize"more often than "commission".
Ship' officers are commissioned; so are Military officers.

The present participle is formed by taking the root of a verb and adding -ing e.g. walk-ing. The name of this participle is misleading, it can indicate not only the present but also the past and future.

I am walking to work. (is a continuing action in the present.)

Arriving early, they smiled with embarrassment. (The actions are both in the past)

Arriving tomorrow, they will be met at the airport. (The actions are both in the future)

The past participle is formed by taking the root of the verb and adding - ed
It too can have past, present and future meanings.

Future- Thus deceived, she will be furious.

Present- Baffled by your attitude, I cannot help you.

Past - Baffled by your attitude, I could not help you.