dispatch

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'dispatch' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a verb meaning "to send goods or documents in order to deliver them to their destination" or as a noun meaning "making sure goods or documents are sent to their destination". Example sentence: The goods have already been dispatched and should arrive at their destination within the next few days.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Autocratic leaders across the former Soviet Union have been known to dispatch "quid pro quo" observer missions to each others' elections to lend them legitimacy.

The Guardian

Alexander was warned by the Speaker not to abuse the position of the dispatch box to make a party political statement, and Labour accused him of farcically trying to extricate himself from the coalition after endorsing George Osborne's cuts for four years.

The Guardian

Danny Alexander, the Liberal Democrat chief secretary to the Treasury, has taken the unprecedented step of standing at the Commons dispatch box to set out an alternative fiscal plan to George Osborne's budget.

The Guardian

When it's a Super Pac The dodging of an official White House bid also allows candidates to dispatch would-be campaign staff to run Super Pacs.

The Guardian

Later I heard her use the argument at the dispatch box.

The Guardian

It would appear that others were marked for dissection and dispatch to Britain even before they died.

The Guardian

"Everything is strewn all over the glacier," Cienski said in a video dispatch recorded on Monday as helicopters flew overhead.

The Guardian

Another slick move saw Surman centre for Wilson to control, spin and dispatch at pace in the 78th minute to leave the majority in the arena bellowing: "We are Premier League" into the night sky and mustering joyfully on the touchline.

The Guardian - Sport

By some estimates, the former Edinburgh medical student took it upon himself to preserve in alcohol and dispatch the soft tissue and bones of up to 600 people to his friend, DJ Cunningham, professor of anatomy at Ramsay Smith's alma mater.

The Guardian

While waiting for his first job, he volunteered as a dispatch clerk for Bennett and Colman, still, today, the publishers of the Times of India.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

On his return to the dispatch box less than three months later, he sounded a more sombre note.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dispatch" in a business context, ensure it clearly communicates the speed and efficiency of the action. For example, "We will dispatch your order within 24 hours" conveys prompt service.

Common error

Avoid using "dispatch" in casual conversation, as it can sound overly formal or unnatural. Opt for simpler alternatives like "send" or "deal with" in everyday settings.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "dispatch" is both as a transitive verb, meaning to send something off to a destination or person, and as a noun, referring to the act of sending or an official report. Ludwig AI's analysis supports this dual functionality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dispatch" functions as both a verb and a noun, commonly used in contexts requiring prompt action or communication. Ludwig AI identifies the grammatical status of "dispatch" as correct, with frequent usage across News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science domains. As a verb, it signifies sending or executing something swiftly. As a noun, it represents the act of sending or the message conveyed. While versatile, it's advisable to use simpler alternatives like "send" in casual settings to avoid sounding overly formal. Top sources using "dispatch" include The Guardian and The Economist, reflecting its prevalence in authoritative publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Send off

Emphasizes the act of sending something or someone away.

Carry out

Focuses on the execution or completion of a task, similar to "dispatch" in the context of dealing with business.

Deal with

Highlights the handling or management of a situation or task.

Get rid of

Indicates the removal or disposal of something, similar to "dispatch" in the sense of eliminating a problem.

Complete swiftly

Focuses on the speed and efficiency of finishing something.

Execute promptly

Highlights the timely and efficient execution of a task or order.

Send with haste

Emphasizes the speed and urgency of sending something.

Handle expeditiously

Highlights the efficient and timely handling of a matter.

Eliminate quickly

Emphasizes the speed and efficiency of removing or getting rid of something.

Discharge rapidly

Focuses on the quick release or sending of something.

FAQs

How can I use "dispatch" in a sentence?

"Dispatch" can be used as a verb meaning to send something off, as in, "We will dispatch the goods immediately." It can also be used as a noun, referring to the act of sending, as in, "The matter requires prompt dispatch".

What are some alternatives to "dispatch"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "send", "complete", "handle", or "execute".

Is "dispatch" more formal than "send"?

Yes, "dispatch" is generally considered more formal than "send". It's often used in business, military, or official contexts to convey efficiency and promptness.

What's the difference between "dispatch" and "despatch"?

"Dispatch" and "despatch" are variants of the same word. "Dispatch" is the more common spelling, especially in American English, while "despatch" is more frequently used in British English.