What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
awarding
Example
The committee will be awarding the best actor with a trophy at the ceremony. [awarding: verb]
Example
The school is awarding scholarships to deserving students based on their academic performance. [awarding: gerund or present participle]
conferring
Example
The university will be conferring degrees to the graduating students during the commencement ceremony. [conferring: verb]
Example
The board of directors is conferring the title of CEO to one of the candidates. [conferring: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Awarding is more commonly used than conferring in everyday language. Awarding is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while conferring is less common and is often used in formal or academic settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between awarding and conferring?
While award is associated with a more casual and informal tone, conferring is more formal and is commonly used in official or academic contexts.