confer credibility

USAGE SUMMARY

"confer credibility" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone or something gives credibility to an opinion or statement. For example, "His years of experience in the industry conferred credibility to his opinion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Similarly, we employ "incredible" to confer credibility, and "fantastic" to admit facts.

The New Yorker

Beauty, they found, did not confer credibility: the subjects showed more interest in the attractive scientists, but they deemed the uglier ones more likely to do good work.

The New Yorker

He planned to speak on primary night with Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, whose blessing could confer credibility with the Manhattan establishment.

The New York Times

The potential downside of "Islamic State" is it might confer credibility on an organisation that is arguably neither of those things.

Independent

Like a positive news story, awards confer credibility.

Forbes

It was found in three studies that providers used medical terminology to confer credibility on FGCS in general and to legitimate specific surgical techniques and procedures [ 32– 32].

BMC Women's Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Punditry and ubiquity conferred credibility.

The Washington Post

These publications still matter when it comes to conferring credibility and naming the "Great American" writers – and it's hard to understand why they can't do better.

The Guardian - Books

Mr. Rattner remains close to his most coveted and prestigious client, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg — a relationship that has conferred credibility and stature on Mr. Rattner despite the legal pall that hangs over him.

The New York Times

However, the people who participated in the consultation were experts in HIV-prevention interventions among the target populations in this geographical and cultural context, thereby conferring credibility to the findings.

BMC Health Services Research

Victory in either of those states would confer real credibility.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "confer credibility" when you want to emphasize that something or someone actively bestows or grants credibility to something else. For example, "Endorsements from respected scientists confer credibility on the research findings."

Common error

Avoid using "confer credibility" when the subject already possesses credibility and is simply demonstrating it. Instead, reserve the phrase for situations where credibility is being given or added to something that previously lacked it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "confer credibility" functions as a verb phrase used to describe the act of bestowing or granting credibility upon something or someone. It indicates that a particular action, endorsement, or characteristic serves to enhance or establish believability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

43%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "confer credibility" is a grammatically correct and useful expression that means to bestow or grant credibility to something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for formal contexts like news, science, and business. While it may not be as frequently used as some alternatives, understanding its nuance and how it enhances arguments can improve your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lend credence to

Uses "credence" instead of "credibility", implying a slightly more abstract or intangible sense of belief.

add weight to

Emphasizes the impact on the perceived importance or significance of something.

give authority to

Focuses on providing a sense of official endorsement or expertise.

enhance believability of

Highlights the increase in how believable something is perceived to be.

bolster the credibility of

Implies strengthening existing credibility, rather than creating it from scratch.

establish the validity of

Stresses the confirmation of something being factually correct or legitimate.

impart trustworthiness to

Focuses on bestowing a sense of reliability and honesty.

invest with authority

Implies a formal or deliberate act of giving power or influence.

grant legitimacy to

Highlights the act of making something lawful or acceptable.

attest to the reliability of

Emphasizes providing evidence or confirmation of something's dependability.

FAQs

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

You can use "confer credibility" to describe actions or endorsements that add believability to a statement or person. For example, "His extensive experience in the field /s/lends+credence+to his claims".

What are some alternatives to "confer credibility"?

Some alternatives to "confer credibility" include "lend credence to", "add weight to", or "give authority to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say something "confers credibility on" or "confers credibility to" something?

While both options can be understood, "confers credibility on" is the more standard and grammatically preferred phrasing. "Confers credibility to" is less common but not necessarily incorrect.

What's the difference between "confer credibility" and "establish credibility"?

"Confer credibility" implies giving credibility to something that may not have had it before. "Establish credibility", on the other hand, suggests building or proving credibility over time through consistent actions or evidence.