Confer on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Confer on" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in formal contexts to indicate the act of granting or bestowing something, such as a title, degree, or honor, to someone. Example: "The university will confer on her an honorary degree for her contributions to science."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

David Hopkins, the lord mayor of Swansea, said: "Freedom of the city is the highest honour the people of Swansea can confer on one of its own.

The Guardian - Sport

We confer on every tweet.

The New York Times

D.D.: But then did you confer on the structure?

The New Yorker

Such mergers confer on the artist an unhoped-for celebrity.

The New York Times

LIZADONNELLY: Did all the Royal Women confer on their colors?

The New Yorker

Employees confer on Burberry Chat, an internal social network.

The Economist

It would confer on every Iraqi a right to health care and schooling.

The New York Times

Dog owners and trainers also praise dog runs for the socialization benefits they confer on their pets.

The New York Times

If I reach you, you - whatever the critics may say - confer on me the greatest gift of all: the present.

The Guardian

"I have to confer on this issue," West replied apologetically, leaning over to huddle with A.C.T.'s public-relations adviser.

The New York Times - Magazine

What about the therapeutic benefits that patients could confer on doctors?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "confer on" when you want to emphasize a formal or official granting of something, such as an award, title, or right. For example, "The university will "confer on" her an honorary degree."

Common error

Avoid using "confer on" in casual conversation. It can sound overly formal or pretentious. In informal settings, opt for simpler alternatives like "give to" or "grant".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "confer on" functions as a verb phrase taking a prepositional complement. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in formal English. It's used to describe the act of granting or bestowing something upon someone or something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "confer on" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase, primarily in formal contexts, to describe the act of granting or bestowing something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is most often found in news, science, and business writing. When choosing an alternative, consider the specific nuance you wish to convey, with options like "bestow upon" or "grant to" offering slight variations in formality. However, avoid using this phrase in casual contexts, where simpler alternatives are more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Bestow upon

Emphasizes the act of giving something as a gift or honor. More formal than "confer on".

Grant to

Focuses on the act of formally giving or allowing something.

Award to

Specifically refers to giving something as a prize or recognition.

Give to

A more general and informal way of saying "confer on".

Impart to

Suggests the act of transmitting knowledge, wisdom, or a quality.

Endow with

Implies providing someone or something with a quality or attribute.

Invest in

Focuses on formally giving someone power or authority.

Present to

Refers to formally giving someone something, often in a ceremony.

Offer to

Suggests a less formal and potentially less certain act of giving.

Entrust to

Emphasizes the act of giving someone responsibility or something valuable.

FAQs

How can I use "confer on" in a sentence?

The phrase "confer on" is used to describe the act of bestowing something (like an honor, right, or attribute) upon someone or something. For example, "The award will "confer on" him a great deal of prestige."

What are some alternatives to "confer on"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "bestow upon", "grant to", or "award to".

Is it correct to say "confer upon" instead of "confer on"?

While "confer on" is more common, "bestow upon" carries a similar meaning. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. "Confer on" is generally more direct and concise.

What is the difference between "confer on" and "impart to"?

"Confer on" typically refers to bestowing a formal honor or right, while "impart to" suggests transmitting knowledge or a quality. For example, "The professor aimed to "impart to" his students a love of literature."