allocate

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'allocate' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to the distribution or assignment of something, such as resources or tasks, to someone. For example, "The manager had to allocate the tasks to the team evenly".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Another operator, Sprint PCS, plans to launch a similar network in the summer.Paradoxically, even the regulatory chaos surrounding spectrum allocation in America, which has yet to allocate new spectrum for 3G, has had an unexpected benefit.

The Economist

Lay down foreign policy objectives, decide what military resources are necessary and then allocate the financial resources necessary," he said.

The Guardian

"It is certainly not up to Joe Hockey to allocate concession arrangements provided by the states... and it seems increasingly unlikely the states will maintain those concessions for people who aren't pensioners any more," he said.

The Guardian

Mr Ahmadinejad's preoccupation is reported to have driven his government to allocate $17m £9.7mm) to Jamkaran's renovation.

The Guardian

When bookings are made, details about mobility, age, and special needs are given to the call-takers who allocate the correct crew and vehicle.

The Guardian

The government will allocate $4billion of the 2020 blueprint's $10bn price tag, with private investors expected to provide the rest.

The Guardian

It's a plot: They don't trust you to allocate resources in a way that they believe is best, and so they want to have a system that forces you to do what they think you should do in running your business and your lives.

The Guardian

Both chose security features, but they decided to allocate the largest portion of the budget to "people on the ground", including caretakers.

The Guardian

Other proposals include asking the government to allocate £30m (from fines paid by banks rigging the Libor inter-bank borrowing rates) to a social investment fund to expand community provision.

The Guardian

Other developed country climate negotiators agreed with Figueres' stance, telling the Guardian privately that it was not practical to attempt to allocate emissions based on estimates of future emissions.

The Guardian

"We are definitely going to allocate teachers to Amorikot," Ewadu said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "allocate", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being distributed and to whom or what it is being distributed to. For example, "Allocate resources to the marketing team" is clearer than just "Allocate resources".

Common error

Avoid using "allocate" when the context implies a general distribution without a specific plan or recipient. Use a more general term like "provide" or "supply" instead.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "allocate" is as a transitive verb. It requires a direct object indicating what is being distributed or assigned. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "allocate" functions as a verb signifying the act of assigning or distributing something, usually resources, according to a plan. As Ludwig AI highlights, this term is grammatically sound and widely used. Found predominantly in contexts such as News & Media and Formal & Business settings, "allocate" carries a neutral tone suitable for conveying planned distribution. For alternatives, consider "assign", "allot", or "designate", but ensure the chosen word aligns with the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember, "allocate" suggests a deliberate, strategic assignment, unlike simpler terms like "give" or "provide".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assign

This term is more general and can refer to giving someone a task or responsibility.

allot

Implies giving someone their portion of something, often in a planned or systematic way.

designate

Suggests specifying something for a particular purpose or person.

apportion

Implies dividing something up and distributing it proportionally.

earmark

Specifically sets something aside for a particular purpose; more restrictive than "allocate".

distribute

Focuses on the act of spreading something out among a group or area.

appropriate

Often used in the context of funds or resources being officially allocated.

devote

Implies dedicating something (like time or resources) entirely to a specific purpose.

grant

Often used when giving something as a formal or legal right or privilege.

set aside

A more informal way of saying to reserve or keep something available for a specific purpose.

FAQs

How to use "allocate" in a sentence?

You can use "allocate" to describe the distribution of resources, time, or responsibilities. For example, "The company will "allocate funds" for research and development".

What can I say instead of "allocate"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "assign", "allot", or "designate". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "allocate" and "distribute"?

"Allocate" implies a planned or systematic distribution, while "distribute" can be more general. You allocate resources according to a strategy, but you might distribute flyers randomly.

When is it incorrect to use "allocate"?

It's incorrect to use "allocate" if there's no clear plan or designated recipient for the distribution. For instance, using "allocate" when you simply mean to make something generally available is inaccurate.