What Does “Vest sth in sb” Mean?
“Vest sth in sb” means to give someone the legal right or authority to have or control something, such as property, power, or responsibility.
Introduction
The phrase Vest sth in sb is often used in legal, business, or formal contexts. It refers to the act of granting or conferring rights, ownership, or authority to a person or group. Understanding the Vest sth in sb meaning will help you recognize when someone is officially given control over something. This phrasal verb is important when discussing contracts, laws, or official documents where rights are assigned. Knowing how to use it correctly can make your English sound more precise and professional.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: Vest something in somebody
- Type: Transitive
- Level: C1 (Advanced)
- Short meaning: To give legal rights or authority to someone
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Vest sth in sb” is a transitive phrasal verb and is inseparable. This means you cannot place the object between “vest” and “in”.
- Correct pattern: Vest something in somebody
- Incorrect pattern: Vest somebody something or Vest in somebody something
Here, “sth” is the thing being given or assigned, and “sb” is the person receiving it.
How to Use Vest sth in sb?
Use this phrasal verb when talking about giving legal rights, ownership, or control to someone. It is common in formal writing, such as legal documents, business contracts, or official announcements.
Example contexts include:
- Assigning property rights
- Granting authority or power
- Giving official responsibilities
Examples
Here are some natural sentences using “Vest sth in sb in a sentence”:
- The company’s shares were vested in the new CEO last month.
- The government vested full control of the project in the local council.
- According to the contract, the ownership of the land is vested in the trust.
- The board decided to vest voting rights in all shareholders equally.
- The law vests the power to approve budgets in the finance committee.
Common Mistakes
People often confuse word order or misuse this phrasal verb because it sounds formal. Here are some examples to help:
- Incorrect: They vested him the property rights.
Correct: They vested the property rights in him. - Incorrect: The rights were vested to the manager.
Correct: The rights were vested in the manager.
Differences / Synonyms
Similar phrases include “grant sth to sb” and “assign sth to sb.” However, “vest sth in sb” implies a formal or legal transfer of rights or authority, often permanent or official.
- Grant sth to sb: Can be informal or formal, usually means giving permission or rights.
- Assign sth to sb: Often means giving a task or responsibility, less about legal rights.
- Vest sth in sb: Specifically means to legally or officially give rights or ownership.
Common Collocations
You will often see “vest” used with certain nouns. These collocations highlight typical objects that can be vested in someone:
- Rights: Legal privileges or entitlements
- Ownership: Control over property or assets
- Authority: Power to make decisions or act
- Control: Management or influence over something
- Power: Official ability to act or enforce rules
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of vest sth in sb:
Real-life Dialogue
Here is a short conversation using “Vest sth in sb”:
Anna: Who has the authority to approve the budget?
Mark: The board has vested that power in the finance committee.
Anna: So, the committee can make decisions without asking the board?
Mark: Exactly. The rights are officially vested in them.
Practice
Try filling in the blanks with the correct form of the phrasal verb:
- The company has _________ full ownership _________ the new partner.
- Legal rights are often _________ _________ individuals by law.
- The government _________ control _________ the local authorities.
FAQ
- What does “vest sth in sb” mean? It means to give someone legal rights or authority over something.
- Is “vest sth in sb” separable? No, it is inseparable. You cannot split the phrase.
- Can “vest” be used in casual conversation? It is usually formal, so it’s more common in legal or official contexts.
- What is a common mistake with this phrasal verb? Placing the object between “vest” and “in” is incorrect.
- What are synonyms for “vest sth in sb”? “Grant sth to sb” and “assign sth to sb” are similar but less formal.
