dole out

USAGE SUMMARY

"dole out" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to mean to distribute or give out something in small amounts. For example, "The teacher dole out the candy to the students one at a time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But they also dole out punishments for "moral offences".

The Economist

Then the league waited several weeks to dole out punishment.

The New York Times

Snoopy's tail may be wagging, but it is not yet time to dole out the treats.

The Economist

Its basic foreign policy is to dole out aid and avoid clear stands on tough issues.

The Economist

The president has a large discretionary fund from which to dole out goodies.

The Economist

The ministry has just 35m shekels to dole out to 17 different musical ensembles.

The Economist

In the name of helping the poor, politicians dole out subsidies for petrol products.

The Economist

English Heritage was happy to dole out cash to preserve their fabric.

The Economist

But the urge to dole out digital red tape should be resisted.

The Economist

That would inevitably mean less money for members of parliament to dole out in their constituencies.

The Economist

But if we are just going to dole out money every year for crisis management, that's failure".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dole out", ensure the context implies a limited or controlled distribution. This phrase is suitable when the resource or item being distributed is not abundant.

Common error

Avoid using "dole out" when describing situations where items are readily available. The phrase suggests scarcity or a deliberate limiting of supply, which might not align with your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "dole out" is as a phrasal verb. It combines the verb "dole" with the particle "out" to modify the verb's meaning. Ludwig AI confirms its proper use, demonstrating its role in distributing something, often in small or controlled amounts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "dole out" is a versatile phrasal verb used to describe the distribution of something in small or controlled amounts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, the phrase carries a neutral tone, making it suitable for diverse writing styles. Understanding its nuances and contexts, particularly its suggestion of limited distribution, is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distribute sparingly

Emphasizes giving something out in limited quantities or amounts.

allocate in small portions

Highlights the act of assigning something in measured or restricted quantities.

administer in limited amounts

Focuses on the controlled or managed distribution of something.

dispense in moderation

Suggests giving something out in a restrained or balanced way.

mete out meagerly

Implies distributing something in a stingy or insufficient manner.

parcel out gradually

Conveys the idea of distributing something in stages or over a period of time.

allot bit by bit

Focuses on the slow and incremental distribution of something.

hand out selectively

Implies giving something only to certain individuals or groups based on specific criteria.

divvy up in portions

Highlights the act of dividing something into smaller parts for distribution.

share out gradually

Suggests a gradual and often equitable distribution among multiple recipients.

FAQs

How can I use "dole out" in a sentence?

Use "dole out" to describe distributing something in small amounts or with restraint. For example, "The government "doles out" funds to various projects."

What are some alternatives to saying "dole out"?

You can use alternatives like "distribute sparingly", "administer in limited amounts", or "dispense in moderation" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "dole out" or "deal out"?

Both "dole out" and "deal out" can be used to describe distributing something. However, "dole out" often implies a more measured or restricted distribution, while "deal out" can suggest a more casual or random distribution.

What's the difference between "dole out" and "give away"?

"Dole out" implies a controlled or limited distribution, whereas "give away" suggests a more generous or unrestricted distribution. Consider the context and the intention behind the distribution when choosing between these phrases.