it was conferred

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was conferred" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that has been granted or bestowed, such as a title, degree, or honor. Example: "The honorary degree was conferred upon her during the graduation ceremony."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

It was conferred two years earlier, for the invention of the phonograph.

The New York Times

If you have already graduated, the transcript must indicate the title of the degree you received and the date it was conferred.

Columbia University

In applying this section, we have held that 'the width of administrative authority must be measured in part by the purposes for which it was conferred...

Cornell University

In 1713 it was conferred on Chīn Qilich Khan Āṣaf Jāhh) by the Mughal emperor Muḥammad Shah and was held by his descendants, the rulers of the princely state of Hyderabad, until the mid-20th century.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If we concede that this discretion in congress is limited by the obvious purposes for which it was conferred, and that those purposes are satisfied by measures which prepare the people of the territories to become states in the Union, still the conclusion cannot be avoided that the act of congress here in question is clearly within that justification.

Cornell University

That authority could exist only as it was conferred by law, and as they were unable to show any lawful authority under the United States it was held that there was nothing to prevent the judgment of the court against them as individuals, for their individual wrong and trespass.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

The San Diego city attorney's office said it was conferring with clients and did not comment.

Los Angeles Times

It is conferred by the Norwegian Nobel Committee in Oslo.

Britannica

It is conferred by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in Stockholm.

Britannica

It is conferred by the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm.

Britannica

It is conferred by anointing the forehead and hands with blessed oil and pronouncing a formula.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was conferred", ensure the subject receiving the honor or title is clearly identified in the sentence. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "it was conferred" in casual conversation. This phrase is best suited for formal writing and academic contexts, not everyday speech.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was conferred" functions as a passive construction indicating that something (like a title, degree, or honor) has been formally granted or bestowed. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use across varied contexts. In other words, it means something has been formally given.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Academia

30%

News & Media

27%

Science

23%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

13%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was conferred" is a grammatically correct passive voice construction primarily used to indicate the formal granting of a title, degree, or right. Ludwig highlights that this phrase is most appropriate in formal and scientific contexts, such as academic papers, official announcements, and legal documents. While it is less common in everyday conversation, understanding its proper use can enhance the precision and formality of your writing. Remember to clearly identify the recipient of the honor or title to avoid ambiguity. Ludwig AI confirms the validity and usability of this phrase in formal English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was awarded

This alternative directly replaces 'conferred' with 'awarded', focusing on the act of giving something as a prize or honor.

it was granted

This alternative replaces 'conferred' with 'granted', emphasizing permission or authorization.

it was bestowed

This alternative replaces 'conferred' with 'bestowed', highlighting the act of presenting something as a gift or honor.

it was given

This alternative uses a more general term, 'given', to indicate the act of providing or awarding something.

it was presented

This alternative emphasizes the act of formally offering something.

it was assigned

This is suitable when talking about task responsibilities.

it was accredited

This option refers to an official approval.

it was invested

Focuses on vesting someone or something with a particular purpose.

it was bequeathed

Suitable when discussing legacy or inheritance.

it was transmitted

This is a broader term, emphasizing the action of passing something on.

FAQs

How can I use "it was conferred" in a sentence?

Use "it was conferred" to describe the formal act of granting a title, degree, or honor. For example: "The honorary degree "was conferred" upon her during the ceremony."

What are some alternatives to "it was conferred"?

You can use alternatives like "it was awarded", "it was granted", or "it was bestowed" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "it was conferred"?

The phrase "it was conferred" is already in the passive voice. To use the active voice, rephrase the sentence to show who did the conferring. For example, instead of "The title "was conferred" by the university", you could say "The university conferred the title."

What's the difference between "it was conferred" and "it was presented"?

"It was conferred" implies a formal granting of a title, degree, right, or benefit. "It was presented", on the other hand, suggests a more general act of offering or showing something. The former has a legal or ceremonial nuance.