Agreed. But I think we tend to give advice for what they would need as dedicated, long term, all-weather commuters rather than beginning ones.

A first question should be along the lines of "How long is your commute one way and is it relatively flat or hilly?".

If it's under 5 miles and not that hilly, most any bike will do. If they have a longer, hillier commute, then something with gears might be in order. If they already have a bike they should start there unless they don't like it for whatever reason and want something different.

Beyond that, I say have them try the commute on the weekend first and bring a cell phone in case something happens.

That's it.

Unless they want more info.