bestow power

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bestow power" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is granting authority, influence, or control to another person or group. Example: "The council decided to bestow power upon the newly elected leader to implement the proposed reforms."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

According to him, the images captured from the precogs visions in the film bestow power on those who control their processing.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Rather than bestowing power privately upon his new cabinet, he inaugurated them on live television.

The New York Times

The mere fact of these people's proximity to the leader bestows power, which they protect jealously, trading structural trust for access.

Harvard Business Review

They regard the election as simply a means of formally bestowing power on a man who has run the show behind the scenes since July.

The Guardian

This move has bestowed power and money on certain figures within these ethnic communities – but it has also enabled successive governments to pretend that racism is no longer the problem.

The Guardian - Opinion

The message to messrs Mousavi, Khatami and Karroubi (the steadfast and so-far united leaders of the green movement) is clear; do not confuse popularity with power – it is the system that has bestowed power upon you and in defying it you are close to being beyond the pale.

The Guardian - Opinion

L.Paul Bremer III pronounced the country a better place than the one once littered with Saddam Hussein's torture chambers, thanked the officials who had served with him on the now defunct Coalition Provisional Authority, bestowed power on the new Iraqi prime minister, Iyad Allawi, and was gone.

The New York Times

More than a hundred years ago, Andrew Jackson also believed that bestowing power and responsibility upon a single bank was the cause of inflation and other perceived evils.

Forbes

I had thought we had dispensed with this nonsense, but it would seem that as long as we condemn a video before we condemn a violent reaction to it, we'll always be bestowing power upon those who wish to pass this kind of law.

Huffington Post

The shrine bestows powers of religious charisma.

The New York Times

In a mysterious manner Hainuwele, a girl with extraordinary gift-bestowing powers, appeared.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bestow power", ensure the context clearly indicates who is granting the power and to whom. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the clarity of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "bestow power" when the power is inherent or earned through effort. "Bestow" implies a deliberate act of granting something that wasn't previously possessed. Consider alternatives like "achieve power" or "wield influence" when the power is not directly given.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bestow power" functions as a verb phrase where "bestow" is the transitive verb and "power" is the direct object. Ludwig AI indicates it is used to describe the act of granting or conferring authority or influence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bestow power" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that describes the act of granting authority or influence. Ludwig AI highlights its prevalence in News & Media, encyclopedias, and wiki sources indicating a neutral to formal register. While "bestow power" suggests a deliberate and formal act, it's important to use it accurately, avoiding situations where power is earned or inherent. Consider alternatives like "grant authority" or "confer power" for nuances in meaning. Understanding these subtleties will enhance your writing and ensure precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grant authority

Emphasizes the formal act of giving official permission or right.

confer power

Highlights the act of formally bestowing a power or right.

endow with authority

Focuses on providing someone with the necessary qualities or abilities for authority.

give authority

A more direct and less formal way of saying "grant authority".

delegate power

Indicates the act of assigning responsibility or authority to another.

invest with authority

Highlights the formal act of giving someone official power or status.

bestow influence

Focuses on the act of granting someone the capacity to affect character, development, or behavior.

impart authority

Highlights the transmission of authority or knowledge.

transfer power

Implies a shift of power from one entity to another.

vest power in

Indicates that power is formally and legally given to someone.

FAQs

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

You can use "bestow power" to describe the act of granting authority or influence to someone. For example: "The king decided to "bestow power" upon his most trusted advisor."

What are some alternatives to "bestow power"?

Alternatives to "bestow power" include "grant authority", "confer power", or "delegate power" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to say "bestow power" or "give power"?

"Bestow power" is generally considered more formal than "give power". "Bestow" suggests a deliberate and often ceremonial act of granting authority, whereas "give" is more direct and can apply to less formal situations.

What's the difference between "bestow power" and "transfer power"?

"Bestow power" implies granting power that wasn't necessarily held before, while "transfer power" suggests a shifting of power from one entity to another. "Bestow" indicates creation or initial granting, and "transfer" indicates movement.