confer upon you

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "confer upon you" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in formal contexts to indicate granting or bestowing something, such as a title, honor, or privilege, to someone. Example: "The committee has decided to confer upon you the prestigious award for your outstanding contributions to the field."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

But Miranda July's Somebody app is designed to confer upon you a purpose: it makes talking to strangers your mission.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"The American people, by a great plurality, have conferred upon you the highest honor in their gift," Theodore Roosevelt wrote to Woodrow Wilson in 1912.

The New York Times

And as anyone who's watched Mick Jagger act or read Billy Corgan's poetry or indeed seen the computer art of Ringo Starr will tell you, he's not the first person to believe that selling a lot of records automatically confers upon you the status of polymath genius, but he's certainly the most vociferous and unrelenting in his claims to that title.

The Guardian - Music

* * * I'd always assumed, in ignorance, that to survive the atomic bomb — to be a hibakusha, or "explosion-affected person" — was to have conferred upon you a certain esteem or deference, not unlike that afforded to the bearer of a Purple Heart.

The New Yorker

It's a title that's conferred upon you, whether you are ready or not.

Huffington Post

Even if you're just changing your Twitter handle to "Bae-vid Icke", you're reinforcing the idea that your name is not necessarily a fixed, life-long thing that has been conferred upon you.

Vice

And what would that confer upon a person in Australia in the year 2014?

The Guardian - Sport

But both women evidently view the Birkin as a talisman that should confer upon them a whispered, quiet verdict: classy.

The New York Times - Style

Her husband seems to define her largely by her physical advantages, which confer upon him an aura of sexual potency.

The New Yorker

Because the Michigan Legislature didn't confer upon the Michigan Supreme Court in that case any special authority of judicial review?

The New York Times

Moreover, his considerable stature -- he is often mentioned as a possible successor to Mr. Greenspan -- will confer upon the new board some sorely needed credibility.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "confer upon you" in formal writing when you want to emphasize the act of bestowing a title, honor, or privilege.

Common error

Avoid using "confer upon you" in casual conversations or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "give you" or "grant you" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "confer upon you" functions as a verb phrase that indicates the act of granting or bestowing something onto someone. It typically requires a direct object specifying what is being conferred. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is usable in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "confer upon you" is a grammatically sound and relatively formal expression used to describe the act of granting or bestowing something. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correct usage. While not overly common, it appears predominantly in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. For less formal situations, consider alternatives such as "give you" or "grant you". Use "confer upon you" to maintain a tone that is fitting for the occasion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bestow on you

Focuses on the act of giving something as a gift or honor.

grant to you

Emphasizes the official or legal permission given.

accord to you

Implies giving something due or appropriate.

award you

Highlights recognition for achievement or merit.

vest in you

Indicates endowing with power or authority.

present to you

Suggests a formal introduction or offering.

entitle you to

Highlights a right or qualification being given.

invest you with

Implies formally giving someone a rank or office.

give you

A more general term for providing something.

bequeath to you

Suggests handing down something as an inheritance.

FAQs

What does "confer upon you" mean?

The phrase "confer upon you" means to grant or bestow something, such as a title, right, or quality, to you.

How to use "confer upon you" in a sentence?

You can use "confer upon you" in sentences like: "The university decided to confer upon you an honorary degree" or "The award will confer upon you a great deal of prestige".

What can I say instead of "confer upon you"?

You can use alternatives like "bestow on you", "grant to you", or "award you" depending on the context.

Is "confer upon you" formal or informal?

"Confer upon you" is considered a formal phrase. In more casual contexts, simpler alternatives like "give you" are more appropriate.