When it comes to the word “confer,” many individuals find themselves questioning whether it should be written as “conferred” or “confered.” To put any doubts to rest, the correct form is “conferred.” In this brief article, we will learn the reasons behind this choice, providing a clear explanation and a variety of examples to solidify our understanding.
The verb “confer” is derived from the Latin word “conferre,” meaning “to bring together” or “to compare.” This word is often used to describe the act of bestowing or granting something, such as an honor, title, or degree. Therefore, when conjugating this verb into past tense, we add the suffix “-red” to form “conferred.”
Let us now explore examples that illustrate the correct use of “conferred”:
1. “The university conferred a doctorate upon the graduate for her groundbreaking research.”
2. “After years of dedicated service, the company conferred a special recognition to its longest-standing employee.”
3. “The queen’s birthday honors list consisted of several awards, titles, and knighthoods being conferred upon notable individuals.”
In all of these instances, you can observe how “conferred” is correctly employed to convey the act of bestowing or granting something. It is important to remember that the correct form of the verb depends on the tense, subject, and context within a sentence. Now, let us dive into scenarios where “confered” might seem like a plausible option for some.
“Confered” is a misspelling and does not exist in the English language. Some individuals might be inclined to omit the second “r” due to the past tense form of other verbs, such as “offered” or “suffered.” However, each verb has its own unique conjugation rules. In the case of “confer,” it is essential to adhere to those rules by using “conferred” as the past tense form.
To further emphasize the importance of understanding the correct form of “confer,” let us consider the following analogy: Imagine you are baking a cake. You have all the necessary ingredients in front of you – sugar, flour, eggs, butter. However, if you neglect to add the eggs, the cake will not turn out as intended. Similarly, if you fail to use the correct verb form, such as “conferred,” in your written and spoken English, your message may not be accurately conveyed to your audience.
In conclusion, the correct spelling of the past tense form of “confer” is “conferred.” This verb is used to describe the act of bestowing or granting something. By using the proper conjugation, you will ensure clarity and effective communication in your English writing and speaking. So, the next time you consider using “confered,” remember that it is a misspelling. Stick with “conferred” to present yourself as a knowledgeable and articulate communicator.