could be conferred

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be conferred" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the potential for something to be granted or bestowed, often in formal or academic contexts. Example: "The title of honor could be conferred upon individuals who have made significant contributions to the community."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

But these same benefits could be conferred by federally recognized civil unions.

The New York Times

Membership in this institution became the highest honour that could be conferred upon those who passed the jinshi degree with distinction.

Britannica

The same permanence, he suggests, could be conferred on the assemblies in Wales and Northern Ireland if there is consent from their representative bodies.

The Guardian

During World War II, Hitler decreed the Cross could be conferred on Germans and citizens of countries allied with Germany for exceptional bravery and/or leadership in the face of the enemy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Selection studies demonstrated that resistance to bevirimat could be conferred by changes in the sequences surrounding the CA SP1 cleavage site95,97, and several lines of evidence supported the hypothesis that bevirimat acts by binding the CA SP1 region of Gag in the immature particle, thereby blocking protease-mediated cleavage at this site98,99.

Nature

An implication of the derivation from crystalline basement is that a signature of hydrogen in the basement could be conferred to the sediment.

Geochemical Transactions

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Foragers exhibit greater PO activity, a potent defense that could be conferring herd immunity to the hive.

Science Magazine

Alternatively, variants found at genes under balancing selection could be conferring susceptibility to different pathogens and their effect on autoimmunity would be a consequence of past humans adaptations, as suggested recently for IFIH1, a innate immunity gene involved in resistance to virus [ 15].

BMC Evolutionary Biology

For I had always supposed that jurisdictional power to entertain a suit was not capable of waiver and could not be conferred by consent.

Cornell University

Particularly significant of the anomalous position that had arisen in Italy was the action of the pope in conferring on the Frankish king the title of patrician, which could legally be conferred only by the emperor; in the form the pope gave it (patricius Romanorum), the title was meant to authorize its possessor to defend and support the Holy See against its foes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mouse neuropathogenicity could possibly be conferred by reduced particle stability of PV1 LS-a) inasmuch as we found PV1 LS-as to be thermolabinasmuch

Duke University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could be conferred" in formal and academic writing when discussing the potential for honors, rights, or qualities to be officially granted or bestowed. This phrase adds a level of sophistication and precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "could be conferred" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "could be given" or "could be granted" are more appropriate for everyday language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be conferred" functions as a passive construction indicating a potential action of bestowing or granting something. Ludwig confirms this is a valid construction and the examples provided, show it is mainly employed in formal contexts where there is a degree of authority.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

65%

News & Media

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could be conferred" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote the possibility of something being officially granted or bestowed. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment. While frequently encountered in scientific and academic writing, it should be used judiciously in informal settings. Alternatives such as "could be granted" or "could be awarded" may be more suitable for everyday language. The phrase's formal tone makes it ideal for expressing potential honors, rights, or qualities within a structured and authoritative context. Remember to consider the nuances of register and audience when deciding whether to employ "could be conferred" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be conferred

Expresses the possibility of something being granted, but with less certainty.

could be granted

Emphasizes the act of giving or allowing something officially.

could be bestowed

Suggests a formal and often ceremonial act of giving something.

can be conferred

Indicates the ability or possibility of something being granted, often as a rule or procedure.

could be awarded

Implies that something is given as a prize or recognition.

may be conferred

Suggests a likelihood or permission for something to be granted.

could be given

A more general way of saying something can be handed over.

could be assigned

Indicates something is allocated or designated to someone.

could be attributed

Suggests a quality or characteristic is regarded as being caused by someone or something.

could be invested

Implies the act of endowing someone or something with a particular quality or power.

FAQs

How can I use "could be conferred" in a sentence?

The phrase "could be conferred" is used to indicate that something such as a title, benefit, or characteristic might be officially given or bestowed. For example, "Citizenship could be conferred upon those who meet the residency requirements."

What are some alternatives to "could be conferred"?

You can use alternatives like "could be granted", "could be awarded", or "could be bestowed" depending on the context. Each alternative has a slightly different nuance.

Is it better to use "could be conferred" or "can be conferred"?

"Could be conferred" suggests a possibility or condition, while "can be conferred" implies a general ability or permission. The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the possibility or the capability. For example, "Benefits can be conferred to all employees." indicates policy, whereas "Benefits could be conferred, upon further review." Indicates possibility.

What is the difference between "could be conferred" and "could have been conferred"?

"Could be conferred" refers to a present or future possibility. "Could have been conferred" refers to a past possibility that did not necessarily happen. For instance, "The award could be conferred next year" versus "The award could have been conferred last year, but it wasn't."