had been conferred

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "had been conferred" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts where something has been granted or bestowed upon someone, often in a formal or official manner. Example: "The title of Doctor had been conferred upon her after she completed her dissertation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

The Order of Merit had been conferred a few weeks before his death.

The Guardian - Music

Nobility had been conferred upon the family as early as 1574 by Emperor Maximilian II.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Prophetically, he renounced the title of "National Unchangeable Leader," which had been conferred upon him in 1938.

Britannica

Both of these projects were named for him, the first time such an honour had been conferred.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Power to establish through routes and joint rates had been conferred by section 4 of the Hepburn Act, June 29 , 1906 c. 3591, 34 Stat.

Cornell University

But it was suddenly announced to me that I had been conferred refugee status and that I have no choice but to live in PNG.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

But the contractors discovered still more problems earlier this month, and she said the architects and engineers had been conferring with the Buildings Department.

The New York Times

It all started last spring, when the White House flew into a fit...at the revelation that Clinton had been conferring privately with Morris, the guru who has held a special fascination for the President for many years..

The New Yorker

In a statement on Monday, Mr. Sharpton said that he had been conferring with lawyers and the authorities here to work out the final details for Mr. Blunt's surrender.

The New York Times

He seemed fresh and "brisk enough,"12 though he had been conferring with Stuart long after midnight, and as he examined the obstacles that Hood's Texans had surmounted in their incredible charge, his admiration overcame his reserve.

University of Chicago

For the last several months, Knox had been "leaning against inviting a comic, and he had been conferring with other members about the change," according to CNN.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "had been conferred", ensure that the subject receiving the honor or status is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "had been conferred" when an active voice would be clearer and more direct. For example, instead of "The degree had been conferred by the university", consider "The university conferred the degree."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "had been conferred" functions as a passive perfect construction, indicating that a formal action of granting or bestowing something was completed in the past. It highlights the result of the action rather than the actor. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in contexts involving awards, titles, and honors.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Academia

30%

News & Media

27%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "had been conferred" is a grammatically correct and commonly used passive perfect construction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s particularly suitable for formal contexts where something has been officially granted or bestowed. It is frequently found in academic, news, and scientific sources. While the phrase carries a formal tone, remember to use the active voice when it provides greater clarity. When seeking alternatives, consider options like "was granted" or "was bestowed" to maintain a similar level of formality. Using "had been conferred" effectively requires understanding its formal nuance and choosing the appropriate context to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

had been bestowed upon

A more formal and emphatic way of saying something was given.

was bestowed

Implies a formal or ceremonial giving of something.

had been granted to

Highlights that something was officially permitted or given to someone.

was granted

Focuses on the act of permission or allowance being given.

was awarded

Suggests a prize or honor received after a competition or evaluation.

had been formally given

Emphasizes the official nature of the giving.

was presented with

Emphasizes the act of giving something as a gift or honor.

was given

A more general term for receiving something.

had been invested with

Implies the giving of power or authority.

had been bequeathed

Suggests inheritance or a gift given in a will.

FAQs

How can I use "had been conferred" in a sentence?

The phrase "had been conferred" is used to indicate that something has been formally given or granted. For example, "The honorary degree "had been conferred" upon her during the commencement ceremony."

What's the difference between "had been conferred" and "had been awarded"?

"Had been conferred" usually implies a formal bestowal of an honor, title, or right, while "had been awarded" often suggests recognition for achievement or merit. For example, a knighthood "had been conferred", but a prize "had been awarded".

What can I say instead of "had been conferred"?

You can use alternatives such as "was granted", "was bestowed", or "was awarded" depending on the context.

Is "had been conferred to" grammatically correct?

While not inherently incorrect, it's more common and stylistically preferable to use "had been conferred on/upon" when indicating the recipient. For instance, "The title "had been conferred" upon him" is preferred over "The title had been conferred to him".