dispense with

USAGE SUMMARY

"dispense with" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to refer to the act of doing away with something or someone. For example, "The mayor dispensed with the old regulations and introduced new ones."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Dispense with Pompeii?

The New York Times

Dispense with it.

The New York Times - Food

But dispense with gimmicks.

The New York Times

First, let's dispense with some nonsense.

The New York Times

They also decided to dispense with baseboards.

The New York Times

But let's dispense with the euphemisms.

The New York Times

Let's dispense with the preamble.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

First, let's dispense with Vietnam.

The New York Times

Let's dispense with the asterisk.

The New York Times - Food

Let me dispense with euphemism.

The Guardian - Opinion

Or will the Tribunal dispense with them?

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dispense with", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being eliminated or forgone to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "dispense with" is generally acceptable, overuse in very formal writing can make your tone sound dismissive. Consider using more neutral alternatives like "omit" or "eliminate" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dispense with" functions as a phrasal verb, acting as a transitive verb requiring an object. According to Ludwig, it indicates the action of removing, foregoing, or eliminating something. Examples show its versatility in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

16%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dispense with" is a versatile phrasal verb used to indicate the act of eliminating or foregoing something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use. It is prevalent in news and media, academia, and everyday conversation. While generally neutral, being mindful of the context and choosing more formal alternatives like "eliminate" or "omit" in highly formal settings is advisable. Remember to clearly define what you are "dispensing with" to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

do without

Emphasizes managing or functioning adequately in the absence of something.

get rid of

Focuses on the act of removing or discarding something unwanted.

eliminate

Implies a complete removal, often of something problematic or unnecessary.

remove

Highlights the act of taking something away, often to improve or simplify a situation.

omit

Suggests leaving something out, either intentionally or unintentionally.

skip

Indicates intentionally not doing or including something, often for brevity or efficiency.

waive

Refers to voluntarily giving up a right or requirement.

forgo

Implies willingly abstaining from something, often for a greater benefit.

drop

Focuses on ceasing to pursue or include something, often due to a change in plans.

abolish

Indicates formally putting an end to a system, practice, or institution.

FAQs

How can I use "dispense with" in a sentence?

You can use "dispense with" to indicate that something is no longer necessary or required. For example, "Let's dispense with the formalities and get straight to the point."

What's a more formal alternative to "dispense with"?

In more formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "eliminate", "remove", or "omit".

Is it correct to say "dispense of" instead of "dispense with"?

The correct phrase is "dispense with". "Dispense of" is not standard usage.

When is it appropriate to use "dispense with"?

It's appropriate when you want to convey that something is unnecessary or that you are getting rid of something, often to be more efficient or direct. Consider alternatives depending on the level of formality required.