hand them out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hand them out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to distributing items, such as papers, flyers, or other materials, to a group of people. Example: "During the meeting, I will hand them out to everyone present."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"One mama in each hotel who would hand them out".

The New York Times

Beggars hand them out or sell them throughout Israel.

The New York Times - Style

He begins to hand them out and, as he does so, begins to speak.

The New Yorker

He did everything but fill cups with sports drink and hand them out.

The New York Times - Sports

Instead, presidential campaigns hand them out to supporters or people they hope will be supporters.

The Guardian

A swarming crowd grabbed order forms as fast as he could hand them out.

The New York Times - Magazine

They hand them out to friends at bars, or even to strangers on the train.

The New York Times

The most cost-effective way to distribute micronutrients isn't to hand them out.

The New York Times

Some union benefits are exorbitant, but no politician was forced to hand them out.

The New York Times

Print in multiples, store in your work bag and hand them out as necessary.

The New York Times

I always carry a couple of DVDs with me and hand them out.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing instructions, use "hand them out" to convey a simple, direct method of distribution.

Common error

While generally acceptable, avoid using "hand them out" excessively in formal documents; consider stronger alternatives like "distribute" or "disseminate" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hand them out" functions primarily as a phrasal verb indicating the act of distributing items. As Ludwig AI shows, it's commonly used across various contexts, from news articles to informal instructions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

28%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

7%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hand them out" is a common and generally correct phrasal verb used to describe the act of distributing items. As demonstrated by Ludwig AI, it's frequently found in news, media, and informal instructions. While grammatically sound, consider more formal alternatives like "distribute" or "disseminate" in professional or academic contexts. The phrase serves a direct communicative purpose, making it an effective choice for conveying clear instructions or descriptions of distribution. However, do not overuse in Formal Contexts. Remember that while "hand them out" is versatile, context dictates the best choice of words.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distribute them

Replaces "hand out" with a more formal verb for distributing items.

give them away

Suggests a more casual distribution, often implying without cost.

pass them around

Implies a less organized distribution, suggesting items are shared within a group.

circulate them

Suggests a formal or official distribution method.

disseminate them

Emphasizes spreading information or items widely.

dispense them

Suggests distributing in controlled portions or amounts.

deal them out

Implies a structured or methodical distribution, similar to dealing cards.

provide them

Focuses on the act of supplying or making items available.

offer them

Emphasizes the act of presenting items as a gift or service.

present them

Suggests a formal or ceremonial distribution.

FAQs

What does "hand them out" mean?

The phrase "hand them out" means to distribute items to a group of people. It implies a direct, often informal, method of giving something to others.

How can I use "hand them out" in a sentence?

You can use "hand them out" in sentences like: "The teacher will hand them out after the lesson" or "Please hand them out to everyone in the room".

What are some alternatives to "hand them out"?

You can use alternatives like "distribute them", "give them away", or "pass them around" depending on the context.

Is "hand them out" formal or informal?

The phrase "hand them out" is generally considered informal. For formal contexts, consider using more formal alternatives such as "distribute them" or "disseminate them".