deliver

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "deliver" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a transitive verb when you are referring to the act of bringing something somewhere or providing something. For example, "The courier delivered the package to the customer's doorstep."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I know that that this means to offer the right hand of friendship to keep the left hand free to deliver the knockout blow to break Britain apart.

The Guardian

There is still time for the parties and the British Government to deliver a new budget that delivers".

The Guardian

"I have also heard that others are expecting the exact opposite and are hoping that I will deliver the clear and simple message here in London that the rest of Europe is not prepared to pay almost any price to keep Britain in the EU.

The Guardian

In other words, Smith must deliver a miracle - or at least a moonbeam.

The Guardian - Sport

The move by the leaders of Germany and France, who were upset by Cameron's initial plan to deliver his speech on the same day as their celebration marking their historic post-war reconciliation, means negotiations could take place earlier than No 10 had expected.

The Guardian

In an interview with the Sun, Cameron insisted he was still committed to a five-year term in coalition to deliver a "very strong" programme.

The Guardian

Guardian Australia's editor-in-chief Katharine Viner, who is also deputy editor of the Guardian, promised to deliver an independent perspective on Australian and world news using "digital storytelling" to spark debate and put readers at the heart of the discussion.

The Guardian

The Guardian has unveiled its Australian digital edition with a pledge to deliver a "fresh and independent view", starting with an exclusive interview with prime minister Julia Gillard who criticises rival Tony Abbott's flagship paid parental leave policy as "anti-women" – and revealing that she is a secret Game of Thrones fan.

The Guardian

However, that doesn't mean unintentional, unconscious antisemitism isn't possible – journalists working against time and under pressure to deliver a Tory victory are certainly susceptible to seizing on the meanest image they can find, without thinking through what it connotes.

The Guardian - Opinion

People may well make all sorts of extravagant claims when they are trying to obtain funds for organisations, but the evidential trail would have to prove they had enough influence with those at the other end of the scale to actually deliver what they promised".

The Guardian

Not only do they bring huge audiences to the broadcasters, regularly dominating the end-of-year list of most-watched programmes, but for ITV they deliver the so called "water-cooler moments" that advertisers crave.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "deliver", clearly specify what is being delivered and to whom or where. This avoids ambiguity and ensures clarity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "deliver" in overly abstract contexts where a more suitable verb like "achieve" or "provide" would be more appropriate. Using "deliver" when the action is not a physical conveyance can sound awkward.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "deliver" is as a transitive verb, indicating an action performed on an object. As shown in Ludwig, it signifies conveying something to a destination or presenting something, whether physically or metaphorically. Ludwig AI confirms this usage as correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "deliver" is a versatile and commonly used verb, primarily functioning to denote the act of transferring, providing, or presenting something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently appears in neutral to formal registers across news, business, and scientific contexts. While effective in both literal and metaphorical senses, care should be taken to avoid overuse in overly abstract situations. When using "deliver", be specific about what is being delivered and to whom. Top authoritative sources like The Guardian and BBC commonly employ the verb in diverse scenarios, making it a reliable choice for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

provide

Focuses on the act of supplying something needed or desired.

supply

Implies furnishing or making available what is required.

convey

Emphasizes the act of communicating or transmitting information.

furnish

Suggests equipping or providing something necessary.

render

Highlights the act of giving or providing something, often a service or help.

accomplish

Focuses on completing or achieving a task or goal.

achieve

Implies successfully reaching a desired objective.

execute

Emphasizes carrying out or performing a plan or action.

fulfil

Suggests satisfying a requirement or expectation.

perform

Highlights the act of carrying out an action or task, often in a skillful or competent manner.

FAQs

How can I use "deliver" in a sentence?

You can use "deliver" to describe the act of bringing something to a destination, like "The courier will deliver the package tomorrow". It can also mean to present something, like "She will deliver a speech at the conference".

What are some synonyms for "deliver"?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms like "provide", "supply", "convey", or "furnish".

Is it correct to use "deliver" in a metaphorical sense?

Yes, it is acceptable to use "deliver" metaphorically, such as "The new policy aims to deliver better results". However, ensure the context is clear and the meaning is easily understood.

What is the difference between "deliver" and "provide"?

"Deliver" often implies a physical transfer or presentation, whereas "provide" is more general and suggests making something available. For example, you might "deliver" a letter but "provide" support.