bestow them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bestow them" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of giving or granting something, often in a formal or ceremonial context. Example: "The committee decided to bestow them with the prestigious award for their outstanding contributions to the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Minimal facial expressions on dolls, for example, make children bestow them with emotions and act out scenarios.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

You must believe me that the acceptance of such honours is as difficult as the problem of where to bestow them.

The Guardian - Arts

The emotional turmoil that is the GoT franchise means I have to bestow them far more sympathy than I have previously considered, which does not sit well with me at all.

Independent

The title derives from the decision of Queen Elizabeth to revive the titles of Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, unused since Queen Victoria's time, and bestow them on William and Kate when they married in April 2011.

The New York Times

Far from being frills, these benefits and duties go to the very core of the marriage contract; no church or employer or "commitment ceremony" can bestow them at one blow.

The Economist

Manly have attracted antipathy since the 1970s when it suited former Western Suburbs coach, now esteemed sports writer, Roy Masters, to bestow them – and their peninsula-living, nectar-supping, manna-scoffing brethren – with the moniker "silvertails".

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

The feature that bestows them with this strange characteristic is their shape.

The Guardian

In 1906, the Neuchâtel Society of History and Archaeology in Switzerland acquired the three and bestowed them on the Neuchâtel Museum of Art and History.

The New York Times

He often bestows them on the breakfast and lunch guests he meets at his reserved booth at the Old Ebbitt Grill.

The Washington Post

But the custom of bestowing them is centuries old, one that American colleges borrowed from their English forebears.

The New York Times

Mr. Piñera bestowed them with a medal, a miniature replica of the Phoenix 2 capsule and a small Chilean flag on a pedestal.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bestow them" when you want to emphasize a formal or ceremonial granting of something, like honors, titles, or qualities. It adds a touch of elegance and significance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "bestow them" in casual or everyday situations. The phrase's formality can sound out of place if the context doesn't warrant it; opt for simpler alternatives like "give them" or "offer them" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bestow them" functions as a transitive verb phrase. It signifies the act of formally giving or conferring something upon a group. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, as seen in various examples where it is used to describe the granting of honors, titles, or qualities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

19%

Science

19%

Less common in

Academia

14%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "bestow them" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb phrase that signifies formally giving or conferring something upon a group. Ludwig AI validates its usage across varied contexts, predominantly in news, encyclopedias, and scientific domains. The phrase carries a formal register, making it suitable for professional and official communications. When a more casual tone is appropriate, alternatives like "give them" or "grant them" may be preferable. Always consider the context to ensure that the level of formality aligns with your intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Bestow upon them

Almost identical in meaning, but may emphasize the act of giving more explicitly.

Grant them

Focuses on formally giving something to someone, often a right or privilege; slightly more formal than "bestow them".

Confer on them

Emphasizes the act of formally presenting or awarding something, often an honor or title; similar in formality to "bestow them".

Award them

Highlights the recognition aspect of giving something, typically for achievement; less formal than "bestow them".

Present them with

Focuses on the act of offering or handing over something, often in a ceremonial way; similar formality to "bestow them".

Give them

A more general and less formal way of saying "bestow them", applicable in a wider range of contexts.

Endow them with

Focuses on providing someone with a quality or attribute.

Entrust them with

Highlights the aspect of giving someone responsibility or something valuable; implies a sense of trust.

Impart to them

Focuses on sharing knowledge or skills; more formal than "bestow them".

Favor them with

Implies a special or preferential treatment when giving something.

FAQs

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

"Bestow them" is used to describe the act of formally giving or granting something. For example, "The university decided to bestow them with honorary degrees for their contributions to science."

What are some alternatives to "bestow them"?

You can use alternatives such as "grant them", "confer on them", or "award them" depending on the context and the level of formality you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "bestow on them" instead of "bestow them"?

While both phrases are grammatically correct, "bestow on them" is more commonly used when followed by a specific noun or title. "Bestow them" is used when the object is already clear from context. "The university decided to "bestow on them" honorary degrees" is correct, while "The university decided to bestow them" implies that what they're bestowing is already known.

What is the difference between "bestow" and "give"?

"Bestow" implies a formal or ceremonial act of giving, often something of significance like an honor or title. "Give" is a more general term for transferring possession or offering something. Using "bestow" adds a sense of importance to the act of giving.