What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
consult
Example
I need to consult with my lawyer before signing the contract. [consult: verb]
Example
The doctor had a consultation with the patient to discuss their medical history. [consultation: noun]
confer
Example
The committee will confer to decide on the best course of action. [confer: verb]
Example
The university conferred a degree upon the graduating student. [conferred: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Consult is more commonly used than confer in everyday language, especially in professional or medical contexts. Confer is less common and is usually reserved for academic or official contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between consult and confer?
Confer is more formal than consult and is often used in official or academic contexts. Consult is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, making it a more casual option.
