freely distributed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "freely distributed" is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase is typically used when discussing the distribution of something among a group. For example, "The books were freely distributed among the students in the classroom."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

freely distributed (on an "attribution only" basis).

Columbia University

This material may be freely distributed for nonprofit educational use.

Princeton University

And the freely distributed Metro's front page said: "Cameron defeated on Syria air strikes".

The Guardian

Freely distributed papers have suffered far greater adspend declines than paid-for titles.

The Guardian

He later posted instructions for others to do the same, and freely distributed the code.

The New Yorker

So people will still be able to enjoy the freely distributed Laconia Daily Sun.

The Guardian

It was also freely distributed to commercial researchers, not just academics.

MIT Technology Review

Once released, the cultivars will either be freely distributed or sold affordably to farmers.

The New York Times - Magazine

Both are open source tools freely distributed and subject to modification by programmers worldwide.

The New York Times - Tech

His laboratory freely distributed unique and valuable reagents to colleagues elsewhere for many years.

The Guardian

This material may be freely distributed for nonprofit educational use only.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "freely distributed", ensure the context clearly indicates who is distributing the item and to whom, to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify "The software was freely distributed by the developers to the community."

Common error

Avoid assuming "freely distributed" implies a complete lack of restrictions. Often, there are licenses or terms of use, like attribution requirements, even if there's no monetary cost. Always check the specific terms associated with the distributed material.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "freely distributed" functions as an adverbial modifier describing how something is disseminated. It indicates the manner of distribution, emphasizing that it is done without cost or restriction. Ludwig AI confirms this use through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

26%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "freely distributed" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something made available at no cost. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to modify a verb, indicating the manner of distribution. While it implies no monetary charge, it's crucial to remember that usage restrictions may still apply. It is important to specify who is distributing the item and to whom. "Freely distributed" is frequently found in news, academic, and scientific contexts, reflecting its broad applicability and neutral register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

given away freely

Emphasizes the act of giving and the unrestricted nature of the distribution.

supplied free of charge

More formal and emphatic way of saying 'free', suitable for official contexts.

distributed without charge

Highlights the action of distributing and the fact that there is no cost involved.

offered at no cost

Focuses on the act of offering something without requiring payment.

available at no cost

Focuses on the absence of a price, emphasizing the financial aspect of being free.

supplied without payment

Stresses that no payment is required to receive the item.

provided gratis

Uses a more formal term ('gratis') for 'free', suggesting a formal or official context.

available for unrestricted use

Shifts the focus to the user's ability to use the item without limitations.

circulated without restriction

Emphasizes the lack of limitations on how the item can be circulated.

openly accessible

Highlights the ease of access and the lack of barriers to obtain the item.

FAQs

How can I use "freely distributed" in a sentence?

You can use "freely distributed" to describe something that is given out or made available without cost. For example, "The open-source software is "freely distributed" under the GPL license".

What are some synonyms for "freely distributed"?

Alternatives to "freely distributed" include "available at no cost", "given away freely", or "supplied free of charge", each carrying slightly different nuances.

Does "freely distributed" mean there are no restrictions on its use?

Not necessarily. While "freely distributed" implies no monetary cost, there may still be usage restrictions, such as attribution requirements or specific licensing terms. Always review the associated terms and conditions.

What is the difference between "freely distributed" and "public domain"?

"Freely distributed" indicates that something is available without cost, but it might still be under copyright with specific usage terms. "Public domain", on the other hand, means that the work is not protected by copyright and can be used without any restrictions.