bestow on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bestow on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe giving something to someone or bestowing favor, kindness, etc. onto someone. Example: The teacher bestowed her students with a new set of textbooks.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This award is considered "the highest honor the undergraduate student body can bestow on a Georgia Tech faculty member".

Wikipedia

To bestow on one's parents their independence is also to announce one's own independence from them.

The New Yorker

But the play finds pockets of redemption in the tenderness these victims of totalitarian insanity bestow on one another.

Los Angeles Times

While a good college education is certainly one gift most parents want to bestow on their children, the financial responsibility shouldn't all fall on the parents' shoulders.

Huffington Post

Siblings, he concluded, were one of the greatest gifts a parent could bestow on a child.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I know it's not a gift that you bestow on everyone, and I feel fortunate and grateful that I'm one of the lucky few.

Huffington Post

They bestow on their residents the joys of reverse snobbism.

The New York Times - Travel

My brother's name should be a gift to bestow on my son.

The New York Times

Their vote is far too precious to bestow on any of the parties on offer.

The Guardian - Opinion

And they get the highest civilian honor a president can bestow on anyone!

The Economist

WHAT is the stereotype football players say other people bestow on them?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bestow on" when you want to emphasize a formal or ceremonial act of giving, often an honor, right, or gift. For example, "The university will bestow an honorary degree on the visiting dignitary."

Common error

Avoid using "bestow on" in very casual or informal situations where a simpler word like "give" would be more appropriate. Overusing formal language can sound unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bestow on" functions as a phrasal verb. According to Ludwig AI, this verb is used to describe giving something to someone or bestowing favor, kindness, etc onto someone. The examples from Ludwig show its use in contexts such as bestowing awards, gifts, and honors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bestow on" is a phrasal verb used to formally grant or confer something of value or honor. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It's most frequently found in News & Media contexts. The phrase is generally neutral to formal, and while "bestow upon" is also correct, "bestow on" is slightly more common. When writing, remember that "bestow on" implies a formal giving, and should not be used in casual conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bestow upon

It is just a variation that also means giving or conferring something.

confer upon

Shares the meaning of granting or bestowing something, often an honor or privilege, onto someone.

grant to

Emphasizes the act of formally giving or allowing something to someone.

award to

Specifically refers to giving something as a prize or recognition.

give to

A more general term for providing something to someone.

present to

Suggests a formal offering or handing over of something.

accord to

Indicates granting or giving something, often respect or recognition.

impart to

Focuses on sharing knowledge or wisdom with someone.

entitle to

Means the person has the right to have or do something.

favor with

Highlight the action of doing someone a kind action

FAQs

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

You can use "bestow on" to describe the act of formally giving something as in, "The queen decided to bestow the title of Duchess on her granddaughter."

What can I say instead of "bestow on"?

You can use alternatives like "confer upon", "grant to", or "award to" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "bestow on" or "bestow upon"?

"Bestow on" and "bestow upon" are both correct and largely interchangeable, though "bestow upon" might sound slightly more formal.

What's the difference between "bestow on" and "give to"?

"Bestow on" implies a more formal or ceremonial act of giving, often something of honor or significance, while "give to" is a more general and informal term for providing something.