be meted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be meted" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in the context of distributing or administering something, often in a fair or measured way, such as punishment or rewards. Example: "Justice must be meted out fairly to all individuals, regardless of their background."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Punishment should be meted out as described in the Koran.

The New York Times

But the penalties, although sometimes slow to be meted out, are consistent.

The New Yorker

Should criminal behavior be proved, appropriate punishment must be meted out to those found guilty.

The New York Times

The chairman of the football federation vowed punishment would be meted out to the players involved.

The New York Times

It could be meted out over many small tics, or a few dozen huge ones.

The New Yorker

WHO said education had to be meted out over 16 weeks, 40 hours a course?

The New York Times

Discusses two rules set up by the British--no capital punishment to be meted out by princes; and no suttee.

The New Yorker

In the world we live in, these are called "impermissible benefits," and punishment must be meted out.

The New York Times

Sentence, in law, formal judgment of a convicted defendant in a criminal case setting the punishment to be meted out.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It should be meted out, not as punishment, but to allow children to calm down and think things over.

The New York Times - Health

If you agree with the death penalty, you must also agree that the ultimate punishment should be meted out fairly.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be meted" when you want to convey a sense of formal distribution or administration, especially in contexts like justice, punishment, or rewards.

Common error

Avoid using "be meted" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "be given" or "be distributed" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be meted" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that something is being distributed or dispensed. Ludwig AI's examples show it's often used concerning justice, punishment, or rewards, highlighting its role in describing formal allocation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be meted" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive verb phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use in contexts related to the formal distribution of justice, punishment, or rewards, as highlighted in news and encyclopedic sources. While appropriate for formal writing, simpler alternatives may suit more casual contexts. Use "be meted" when you wish to communicate deliberate and measured dispensing of something, especially when fairness is implied.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be dispensed

Replaces "meted" with "dispensed", focusing on the act of giving out something.

be allotted

Emphasizes the act of assigning or distributing something in specific amounts.

be administered

Focuses on the formal process of giving or applying something, like justice or a treatment.

be apportioned

Highlights the fair distribution of something according to a plan or ratio.

be assigned

Focuses on giving someone a specific task or item.

be given out

A more informal way of saying something is distributed.

be handed out

Similar to "be given out", but emphasizes the physical act of distributing.

be levied

Typically used for imposing taxes or fines.

be served

Focuses on the delivery of something, such as justice or a sentence.

be exacted

Emphasizes demanding and obtaining something, often forcefully.

FAQs

How is "be meted" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "be meted" is usually followed by "out" and is used to describe the act of dispensing or allotting something, often punishment or rewards. For example, "Justice must be meted out fairly".

What are some alternatives to "be meted"?

Alternatives to "be meted" include "be dispensed", "be allotted", or "be administered", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "be meted" in all types of writing?

While grammatically correct, "be meted" is more suitable for formal writing. In informal contexts, consider using simpler alternatives such as "be given" or "be distributed".

What does "be meted out" mean in the context of punishment?

When used with "punishment", "be meted out" means to formally administer or apply a penalty or consequence. It suggests a deliberate and measured approach to delivering justice.