dispense

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'dispense' is a perfectly valid word in written English.
It can be used as a verb, meaning to distribute or provide something, or it can be used as a noun, meaning a system or container for storing and releasing something (such as medicine). For example: "The nurse dispensed the medication to the patient." "The hospital had a special machine that dispensed pills to patients."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Each week they take a customised bus up to the Bellgrove from which they dispense some food and warmth, but also a degree of the dignity and respect which was probably last encountered a long time ago.

The Guardian

He used to dispense 100 food parcels a month; now it's more like 500.

The Guardian - Opinion

Temple continued to dispense sweetness and light in Heidi (1937), Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm (1938) and The Little Princess (1939), her first film in Technicolor.

The Guardian - Film

The Commons public accounts committee said HMRC had "an abysmal record", but welcomed moves to introduce a call-back system and dispense with costly 0845 numbers.

The Guardian

Outside a slate-grey sky is pondering whether to dispense driving sleet or merely torrential rain.

The Guardian

The innovation of The Guinness Book of Records, first published in 1955, was to dispense with the social ingredient of the race.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Commons could also usefully dispense with the half dozen or so whip-planted questions from Tory backbenchers along the lines of "Five people got a job in my constituency last week.

The Guardian

Serious custodial sentences must follow for "rioters" but, whatever the prime minister says, the judiciary's role is to dispense individual justice.

The Guardian - Opinion

I wasn't enthralled by the pilot but I am a fan of Kaling, if not of rom coms, so I hope that later episodes will dispense with some of the more obvious humour.

The Guardian

They dispense with "holographic avatars" and "motion-stabilised automated helicopters" early in the book, focusing instead on how technology will affect power structures.

The Economist

On April 3rd Mr Eich resigned, having spent little more than a week in the job.Conservatives have leapt at a chance to expose a double-standard: gay-rights activists demand toleration but dispense little of it themselves.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dispense", consider the context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended meaning of distributing or providing something, especially in formal or official settings. For example, "The pharmacist will dispense the medication" is appropriate, while "The teacher dispensed advice" works well in a less formal context.

Common error

Avoid using "dispense" too frequently in casual conversation. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "give", "offer", or "provide" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "dispense" is as a verb, indicating the action of distributing or providing something. As Ludwig AI suggests, the term can be used in various contexts, from dispensing medicine to justice, highlighting its versatility. The Ludwig examples showcase its usage in news articles and other reliable sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Formal & Business

22%

Science

22%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dispense" is a versatile verb that commonly signifies the act of distributing or providing something in a controlled or official manner. According to Ludwig AI, this term finds frequent usage across news and media, formal business contexts, and scientific domains. While "dispense" is grammatically correct and widely accepted, overusing it in informal settings might sound overly formal. To avoid this, simpler alternatives such as "give", "offer", or "provide" can be used. The examples presented by Ludwig underscore its consistent application in authoritative sources like The Economist and The Guardian, attesting to its legitimacy and relevance in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distribute

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

administer

Implies a formal or official distribution, often of something regulated or controlled.

allocate

Suggests a careful and deliberate assignment of resources or items.

provide

A more general term for giving or supplying something needed or desired.

supply

Emphasizes the act of making something available.

issue

Highlights the act of officially giving out or releasing something.

allot

Similar to allocate but often refers to a share or portion.

give out

An informal phrasal verb meaning to distribute.

hand out

Similar to "give out" but with a more direct, personal connotation.

mete out

Implies a measured or careful distribution, often of something negative like punishment.

FAQs

How can I use "dispense" in a sentence?

You can use "dispense" to mean to distribute or provide something. For example, "The machine "dispensed snacks"" or "The judge "dispensed justice" fairly".

What are some alternatives to "dispense"?

Alternatives to "dispense" include "distribute", "administer", "provide", and "supply". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "dispense with" something?

Yes, "dispense with" means to get rid of or do without something. For instance, "We can "dispense with the pleasantries" and get straight to the point".

What is the difference between "dispense" and "distribute"?

"Dispense" often implies a controlled or measured distribution, while "distribute" is a more general term for spreading something out. For example, a pharmacist "dispenses medicine", while a charity "distributes food".