dispensing with

USAGE SUMMARY

"dispensing with" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to mean to get rid of or avoid something. For example: "Let's dispense with the formalities and get right to the point."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Friedman did not propose dispensing with Keynes.

The New Yorker

Dispensing with theatrics, Opton finds genuine drama.

The New Yorker

Dispensing with the crew saves money.

The Economist

Meanwhile, other congregations are dispensing with their buildings entirely.

The Guardian - Opinion

Dispensing with hierarchic formalities, he greeted the crowd as "colleagues".

The New York Times

Well, if we're dispensing with tradition … Go on.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He bantered, dispensing with his propensity to filibuster and lecture.

The New York Times

The first involves dispensing with the separate Internet connection.

The Economist

Dispensing with the clunky optics shrinks its size.

The Economist

"I think we should be dispensing with his services.

Independent

Moreover, Kennedy deserves praise for frictionlessly dispensing with hindsight.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dispensing with", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being eliminated or avoided. For example, "Dispensing with formalities, the meeting began promptly."

Common error

While grammatically correct, "dispensing with" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "skipping" or "omitting" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dispensing with" functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier. It describes the manner in which an action is performed, indicating that something is being eliminated or avoided. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dispensing with" is a versatile prepositional phrase meaning to eliminate or avoid something, as validated by Ludwig. It sees frequent use in news, academic, and professional contexts where efficiency and clarity are valued. While grammatically correct and widely understood, it's best reserved for situations where a touch of formality is appropriate. When seeking alternatives, consider options like "getting rid of" or "eliminating" to tailor your language to the specific situation. Ludwig's examples showcase the phrase's correct usage across diverse topics, further solidifying its place as a valuable tool in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

getting rid of

Focuses on the act of discarding or eliminating something unwanted.

doing away with

Implies a more formal or official removal or abolishment.

forgoing

Suggests a voluntary act of abstaining from something.

eliminating

Emphasizes the complete removal of something.

waiving

Implies giving up a right or claim voluntarily.

omitting

Focuses on intentionally leaving something out.

skipping

Suggests bypassing something, often quickly or informally.

bypassing

Implies going around or avoiding something.

discarding

Focuses on the act of throwing something away as useless.

excluding

Emphasizes not including something in a group or process.

FAQs

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

You can use "dispensing with" to indicate the act of eliminating or foregoing something. For instance, "The company is "dispensing with traditional marketing" methods in favor of digital strategies."

What are some alternatives to "dispensing with"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "getting rid of", "doing away with", or "eliminating", depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to use "dispensing with" or "omitting"?

The choice between "dispensing with" and "omitting" depends on the nuance you want to convey. "Dispensing with" often implies a deliberate decision to forgo something, while "omitting" simply means leaving something out. For example, you might say "The report is "dispensing with unnecessary details"" or "The author is "omitting certain facts"".

When is it appropriate to use "dispensing with"?

"Dispensing with" is appropriate in situations where you want to convey a sense of efficiency or a deliberate choice to avoid something. It is often used in more formal or professional contexts.