grant
B2Formal, official, academic, business.
Definition
Meaning
To agree to give or allow something requested; to formally give a right, permission, or sum of money.
To admit that something is true, often reluctantly; a sum of money given by an organization for a specific purpose.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a verb, often implies formal or legal authority. As a noun, typically refers to non-repayable funds, often from a government, foundation, or institution, for research, education, or projects.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Both use 'grant' identically for permissions and funding. Spelling is the same.
Connotations
Equally formal and official in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in US English due to the prominence of grant funding in higher education and non-profit sectors.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[SVO] grant somebody something[SVOiOd] grant something to somebody[SVOC] grant that... (concede)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “take for granted”
- “granted (conjunction: e.g., Granted, it's difficult, but...)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The board will grant the CEO broader executive powers.
Academic
She secured a grant to study medieval manuscripts.
Everyday
Can you grant me a small favour?
Technical
The software will grant admin rights based on user roles.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The council granted planning permission for the new estate.
- I grant you that point, but your main argument is flawed.
American English
- The foundation granted $50,000 to the local food bank.
- He was granted early release from his contract.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The teacher granted the students five extra minutes to finish the test.
- They applied for a grant to repair the community centre roof.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a GRANdmother (GRANT) giving you a special permission or a gift of money.
Conceptual Metaphor
GIVING IS TRANSFERRING POSSESSION (of rights/money); ADMITTING IS YIELDING (in an argument).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'credit' or 'loan' ('ссудa' / 'кредит'). A 'grant' ('грант') is a gift, not a loan. The verb 'to grant' is more formal than 'дать' or 'разрешить'.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect preposition: 'grant for somebody' instead of 'grant to somebody'. Confusing 'grant' (non-repayable) with 'scholarship' (for study) or 'loan' (repayable).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes a 'grant' as a noun?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A grant is a sum of money given, typically by an institution or government, which does not need to be repaid. A loan must be repaid, often with interest.
Yes, especially as a verb meaning 'to formally give permission or rights'. In everyday speech, 'give' or 'allow' is more common. As a noun (for money), it is standard in official contexts.
It means to fail to appreciate someone or something because you are so familiar with them/it, or to assume something is true without questioning it.
Yes, in a concessive sense. E.g., 'I grant that you worked hard, but the result is still unsatisfactory.' This usage is slightly formal.