confer on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "confer on" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts where someone is granting or bestowing something, such as a title, honor, or degree, to another person. Example: "The university will confer on her an honorary degree for her contributions to science."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

David Hopkins, the lord mayor of Swansea, said: "Freedom of the city is the highest honour the people of Swansea can confer on one of its own.

The Guardian - Sport

We confer on every tweet.

The New York Times

D.D.: But then did you confer on the structure?

The New Yorker

Such mergers confer on the artist an unhoped-for celebrity.

The New York Times

LIZADONNELLY: Did all the Royal Women confer on their colors?

The New Yorker

Employees confer on Burberry Chat, an internal social network.

The Economist

It would confer on every Iraqi a right to health care and schooling.

The New York Times

Dog owners and trainers also praise dog runs for the socialization benefits they confer on their pets.

The New York Times

If I reach you, you - whatever the critics may say - confer on me the greatest gift of all: the present.

The Guardian

"I have to confer on this issue," West replied apologetically, leaning over to huddle with A.C.T.'s public-relations adviser.

The New York Times - Magazine

What about the therapeutic benefits that patients could confer on doctors?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "confer on" when you want to emphasize a formal act of bestowing a right, title, benefit, or quality onto someone or something. For example, "The university will confer on him an honorary degree."

Common error

Avoid using "confer on" in very informal or casual contexts. It's generally better suited for formal writing or when describing official bestowals or consultations. In everyday conversation, alternatives like "give" or "grant" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "confer on" is that of a transitive phrasal verb. It requires both a subject (who is conferring) and an object (what is being conferred or who/what is receiving it). Ludwig shows that the phrase commonly implies an act of bestowing something intangible or formal, like a title or right.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "confer on" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrasal verb that signifies the act of bestowing or granting something, or consulting about a matter. As Ludwig confirms, it is particularly common in formal contexts such as news, science, and business. While "confer on" is versatile, it's important to consider the formality of the situation and choose simpler alternatives like "give to" or "grant to" in more casual settings. By understanding its grammatical function, purpose, and register, writers can effectively use "confer on" to add precision and formality to their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bestow upon

Focuses on the act of formally presenting something as a gift or honor, similar to conferring.

grant to

Emphasizes the official or legal permission given, like conferring a right or privilege.

award to

Highlights the act of giving something as recognition of merit or achievement, akin to conferring an award.

bestow on

Indicates the act of formally giving or presenting something, much like conferring.

accord to

Stresses giving someone something due or appropriate to them, similar to conferring a status or right.

impart to

Highlights the passing on of knowledge, wisdom, or a quality to someone, similar to conferring information.

bestow upon someone

Adds emphasis on the recipient of the honor or gift, similar to emphasizing who is being conferred with something.

consult with

Indicates a discussion or seeking advice, resembling conferring about a matter.

discuss with

Focuses on the act of talking something over with someone, similarly to conferring about a topic.

present to

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

FAQs

How is "confer on" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "confer on" is used to indicate the act of bestowing something (like a title, right, or benefit) or consulting about something. For example: "The university will confer on her an honorary degree" or "They will confer on the matter tomorrow".

What are some synonyms for "confer on"?

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

When is it appropriate to use "confer on" instead of a simpler word like "give"?

"Confer on" is more appropriate in formal contexts where you want to emphasize the official or ceremonial nature of the act of giving. It suggests a formal bestowal rather than a simple transfer, so it's distinct from "give".

What is the difference between "confer with" and "confer on"?

"Confer with" implies a consultation or discussion with someone, while "confer on" means to bestow or grant something to someone or something. They have different meanings and usages, even though both involve the verb "confer".