I dispensed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I dispensed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of distributing or giving out something, such as medication, information, or resources. Example: "After reviewing the prescriptions, I dispensed the necessary medication to the patients."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

I dispensed with the people and reflected on the atmosphere.

Independent

He kept a baseball bat behind the register, where I dispensed jerky sticks and candy bars and took money after people pumped unleaded.

The New York Times

The wrong dose: One time, just after I became a pharmacist, instead of giving a patient 10 milligrams of Crestor, I dispensed 20 milligrams.

The New York Times

I dispensed with the parsley, that beloved workhorse, and moved instead to my beloved pimentón — Spanish smoked paprika — which is a key ingredient in chorizo.

The New York Times - Food

For the most part, much of the advice I dispensed remains a sound approach to a variety of medical problems encountered.

The New York Times - Health

Of the career turn toward novels, he says, "I always drew cartoons.... Then the captions began to get longer and longer, until I dispensed with the by-then pitiful pictograms, and -- hey, presto!

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

"The joke is that I dispense medicine through laughter," she said.

The New York Times

By taking the same advice I dispense each week, I could have allowed the Internet to shoulder many of the holiday tasks that were driving me crazy.

The New York Times - Tech

But if I dispense with the headset and use my computer's built-in microphone, I sound to the other party as if I'm using a bad speakerphone.

The New York Times

I've got plenty of time for ready-made mayo – I keep a decent organic variety in my fridge, which I dispense freely for greedy sandwiches and impromptu sauces – but the homemade stuff is something else altogether.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Apparently, she would have preferred that I dispense with questions to the various interviewees I managed to recruit, in favor of asking those same questions not of them but of myself.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I dispensed" when you want to emphasize the act of formally giving out or providing something, such as advice, medication, or justice.

Common error

Avoid using "I dispensed" in casual conversations where simpler alternatives like "I gave" or "I offered" would be more appropriate. "I dispensed" carries a formal tone that may sound stilted in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I dispensed" primarily functions as a statement of past action, where 'I' is the subject and 'dispensed' is the verb. The Examples show it used to describe providing something, whether tangible or intangible, to others or eliminating something unnecessary. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I dispensed" is a grammatically sound and understandable way to describe providing or distributing something, particularly in a measured or deliberate manner. As Ludwig AI points out, its usage is appropriate across various contexts but leans toward a more formal or official tone. It's most frequently found in News & Media, Science and Formal & Business publications. While there are many alternative phrases such as "I provided" or "I distributed", the choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I distributed

Focuses on the act of spreading or giving out something to multiple recipients.

I provided

Emphasizes the act of supplying or furnishing something needed or desired.

I administered

Highlights the formal or official giving out of something, often with a specific procedure.

I issued

Implies the formal release or declaration of something, such as an order or statement.

I gave out

A more informal way of saying "I distributed" or "I provided".

I eliminated

Highlights the removal or getting rid of something.

I abandoned

Indicates leaving something behind or ceasing to use it.

I relinquished

Suggests voluntarily giving up or letting go of something.

I discarded

Implies throwing something away because it is no longer needed or wanted.

I forwent

Focuses on abstaining from or giving up something desirable.

FAQs

How can I use "I dispensed" in a sentence?

You can use "I dispensed" to describe giving out something, whether it's advice, medication, or goods. For example, "I dispensed advice to the new employees" or "I dispensed the medication according to the doctor's instructions."

What can I say instead of "I dispensed"?

You can use alternatives like "I provided", "I distributed", or "I gave out" depending on the context.

Is "I dispensed" formal or informal?

"I dispensed" is generally considered a more formal expression. In casual settings, simpler alternatives like "I gave" or "I offered" may be more suitable.

What's the difference between "I dispensed" and "I distributed"?

While both terms involve giving something out, "I dispensed" often implies a more controlled or measured distribution, whereas "I distributed" suggests a broader or less regulated spread.