bestow praise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bestow praise" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express the act of giving or offering compliments or admiration to someone for their achievements or qualities. Example: "The committee decided to bestow praise on the volunteers for their outstanding contributions to the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Mr. Newman's Rooney, with his ferocious hawklike glare, sepulchral rasp and thunderous temper, has the ultimate power to bestow praise and shame, to bless and to curse.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

And he moans that "we now have a British MP who bestowed praise on him", criticism aimed at George Galloway.

The Guardian

Each stanza begins with instructions to the cupbearer to pour a drink for a hero; he then bestows praise on the man as the drink is poured.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When we first see Charles Dickens Ralph Fienness) in "The Invisible Woman," he's arranging amateur theatricals, joking faster than a music-hall entertainer, and receiving and bestowing praise with equal enjoyment.

The New Yorker

Anxious parents — the midnight Googlers who repeatedly seek advice from experts — learn that there are many things they must never do to their willful young child: spank, scold, bestow frequent praise, criticize, plead, withhold affection, take away toys, "model" angry emotions, intimidate, bargain, nag.

The New Yorker

Does that seem familiar at all? Did you feel your parents preferred one of your siblings to you? Did a teacher you longed to please choose to bestow her praise on a friend of yours, while at the same time ignoring you?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Anxious parents the midnight Googlers who repeatedly seek advice from experts—learn that there are many things they must never do to their willful young child: spank, scold, bestow frequent praise, criticize, plead, withhold affection, take away toys, "model" angry emotions, intimidate, bargain, nag.

The New Yorker

The writers bestow particular praise on the characterisation of Mrs Appleby, whose ignorance of Unwin and Harding's involvement with British Intelligence adds to the comedy: for example, when Father Unwin speaks into his communications device that is disguised as a hearing aid, the housekeeper thinks that the apparently senile vicar is muttering to himself.

Wikipedia

A report by the New York-based Human Rights Watch bestows rare praise on the council in its response to emergencies.

The Economist

Shortly after her death the French scholar Evrard Titon du Tillet bestowed special praise upon her in his Parnasse françois (1732; "French Parnassus"), a compilation of biographical vignettes concerning eminent poets and musicians in France.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Critics from outlets as varied as the New York Times, Paste Magazine, Film Threat, and the notoriously tough Tom Charity bestowed high praise on "Detour".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bestow praise" to emphasize the act of formally or generously giving praise, often from a position of authority or respect. For instance, "The organization decided to bestow praise on the employees who exceeded their targets."

Common error

Avoid using "bestow praise" in casual contexts. It's more appropriate for formal settings where the act of praising is significant or official. A phrase like "give praise" is better suited for informal situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bestow praise" functions as a verb phrase where "bestow" acts as a transitive verb taking "praise" as its direct object. It describes the act of conferring or giving praise, often in a formal or significant manner. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's usability in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "bestow praise" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that emphasizes the act of formally or generously giving praise. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in English. It is especially apt in formal contexts, such as official commendations or expressions of honor. While synonyms like "give praise" exist, "bestow praise" carries a weightier tone. Ludwig's analysis reveals that while it can be used across various contexts, including News & Media, Encyclopedias and Wiki, it will be most frequently encountered and most fittingly applied in scenarios that merit a touch of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

offer accolades

Focuses more on formal recognition or awards.

give commendation

Implies a formal or official approval.

express admiration

Highlights the feeling of respect and approval.

pay tribute

Suggests honoring someone with praise.

sing the praises

A more figurative expression of praising enthusiastically.

heap praise upon

Indicates giving someone a lot of praise.

laud and acclaim

More formal synonyms indicating strong approval and public recognition.

compliment highly

Focuses on giving compliments, but with a greater degree of intensity.

extol virtues

Highlights the act of praising someone's good qualities.

applaud heartily

Emphasizes enthusiastic approval and support.

FAQs

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

"Bestow praise" is typically used to describe a formal or generous act of giving praise. For example: "The university decided to bestow praise on the graduating students".

What are some synonyms for "bestow praise"?

Alternatives to "bestow praise" include "give praise", "offer accolades", or "express admiration", depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "bestow praise on" or "bestow praise to"?

The correct phrasing is "bestow praise on". For example, "The company will bestow praise on the employee of the month" is correct, while "bestow praise to" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "bestow praise" and "give praise"?

"Bestow praise" implies a more formal, generous, or significant act of giving praise, often from a position of authority. "Give praise" is a more general and less formal way to express approval or commendation.