allocated

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "allocated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is set aside or assigned, usually for a specific purpose. For example: The city has allocated funds to help the homeless population.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nor did they have enough balls: Fifa had supplied 25 of the new Tango España balls to each participating nation but none of the ones allocated to El Salvador made it as far as the players, who had to ask Hungary to lend them a couple so they could practise before their first match.

The Guardian - Sport

The proportion of aid allocated to agriculture fell from 17% in 1980 to just 3% in 2005.

The Guardian

He said: "They should have spot advertising, allocated as party political broadcasts are, but they should take audiences by surprise, as advertisements do, and be as entertaining and interesting".

The Guardian

A senior banking source strongly denied any of the banks would directly profit from the being allocated shares, saying they would have been bought to help make money on behalf of clients in the asset management divisions.

The Guardian

Banks advising the government on the controversial sell-off of Royal Mail were allocated millions of shares that have shown a profit of about £29m since its flotation.

The Guardian

I'm looking forward to seeing Miliband talking to students, but when I arrive, the hall is full of adult Labour supporters, TV cameras and journalists, a tiny corner allocated to pupils.

The Guardian

A Fifa investigation found that tickets allocated to the TTFF were sold on with a large mark-up by Warner's son Daryan.

The Guardian - Sport

Related: NHS cannot take more cuts to social care, say healthcare leaders "I see no likelihood that the NHS will receive additional infusions of cash this year," said Stevens, and managers will have to make do with what resources are allocated to them.

The Guardian

This represented nearly £17m a year, allocated to well-established as well as new and upcoming British talents.

The Guardian

The good news is that tasks such as education and counselling are increasingly being successfully allocated to non-specialists, relieving the burden on scarcer personnel such as nurses and ultimately allowing more people to be treated.

The Guardian

"In our school every student is allocated a tutor who can offer guidance if a student wants to check their progress".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "allocated", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being distributed and to whom or what it is being assigned. Clarity prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "allocated" when referring to general availability. "Allocated" implies a specific distribution for a defined purpose, not just something being available.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "allocated" is as a past participle adjective. It modifies a noun, indicating that the noun has been assigned or designated for a specific purpose. Ludwig AI's examples show it effectively conveying this meaning across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "allocated" functions as a past participle adjective, signifying that something has been designated or assigned for a particular purpose. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, its usage is grammatically correct and very common, particularly in News & Media contexts. Alternatives such as "assigned", "designated", and "allotted" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. To ensure clarity, always specify what is being distributed and to whom or what it is being assigned. Avoid using "allocated" when referring to general availability, as it implies a specific distribution for a defined purpose. Overall, "allocated" is a versatile and widely understood term for describing purposeful assignment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

assigned

Focuses on the act of giving someone a particular task or responsibility.

designated

Emphasizes the act of officially assigning something for a specific purpose.

allotted

Highlights the action of distributing portions or shares of something.

apportioned

Suggests a fair and proportional distribution of resources or responsibilities.

distributed

Indicates a broader dispersal of items or resources among a group.

assigned to

Specifically denotes the direction of allocation towards a particular recipient.

earmarked

Implies setting aside something specifically for a future purpose.

set aside

Highlights the reservation of something for a particular use or recipient.

devoted to

Implies a dedicated allocation of resources or time towards a specific goal.

granted

Suggests a formal or official assignment, often implying permission or approval.

FAQs

How is "allocated" typically used in a sentence?

"Allocated" is used to describe something that has been assigned or designated for a particular purpose. For example, "Funds were "allocated" to the project."

What are some alternatives to using "allocated"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "assigned", "designated", or "allotted". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "allocated" and "assigned"?

While both words imply giving something to someone or setting something aside, "allocated" often refers to a more formal or official distribution. "Assigned" can be more informal and direct.

When is it appropriate to use "allocated" over "distributed"?

"Allocated" is best used when something is specifically designated for a purpose or recipient, whereas "distributed" implies a broader dispersal among a group. If the distribution is targeted and intentional, "allocated" is more fitting.