meted out

USAGE SUMMARY

"meted out" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to describe the process of giving out something, usually in even increments or portions. For example: "The cookies that were served at the party were meted out so that everyone got an equal amount."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Brutal punishment is meted out for malingering.

The New York Times

How would you describe the degree of fines, the punishments meted out or not meted out?

The New Yorker

The latest beating was meted out on Wednesday, he said.

The New York Times

The violence meted out to him, however, did.

The Economist

Now the Geneva body has also meted out punishment.

The Economist

It was meted out in Philadelphia Tuesday when Msgr.

The New York Times

Once fines, if meted out at all, were derisory.

Independent

Punishment should be meted out as described in the Koran.

The New York Times

The snobbery meted out to this sector is shameful.

The Guardian - Opinion

They meted out public beatings and strutted around with swords.

The New York Times

It is meted out for its own sake.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "meted out", ensure the context clearly indicates who is administering something and to whom. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "meted out" with abstract subjects that cannot logically receive a physical distribution. For instance, instead of saying "Justice was meted out to the abstract concept", specify who received the justice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "meted out" functions primarily as a phrasal verb in the passive voice. It describes the action of distributing or dispensing something, typically implying a measured or fair allocation, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "meted out" is a common and grammatically correct phrasal verb, primarily used in the passive voice to describe the act of dispensing something, often with implications of fairness or justice. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's frequently found in news and encyclopedic contexts, exhibiting a neutral to formal register. To enhance clarity in writing, ensure that the agent administering the action is clearly specified and the object receiving the action is logically suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distributed

Focuses on the act of dividing and giving out, without necessarily implying fairness or justice.

dealt out

Similar to distributed, but often used in the context of punishments or rewards.

administered

Emphasizes the formal or official application of something, such as a system or process.

handed down

Implies a formal or authoritative decision or judgment being delivered.

dispensed

Highlights the act of carefully measuring and giving out portions.

apportioned

Similar to allocated but suggests a more precise or mathematically determined division.

imposed

Specifically refers to the act of enforcing a rule, punishment, or obligation.

allocated

Focuses on assigning portions to specific recipients or purposes.

allotted

Emphasizes a fair or predetermined amount being given to each recipient.

assigned

Focuses on the act of giving a specific task or responsibility.

FAQs

How is "meted out" typically used in a sentence?

"Meted out" is usually used to describe how something, often a punishment or reward, is distributed or administered. For example, "Punishment was "meted out" to the guilty parties".

What are some alternatives to "meted out"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "meted out" include "distributed", "administered", or "dealt out".

Is "meted out" formal or informal?

"Meted out" is generally considered neutral to formal, suitable for news reporting, formal writing, and encyclopedic content. It's less common in very informal conversation.

What's the difference between "meted out" and "given out"?

"Meted out" often implies a sense of fairness, justice, or careful distribution, especially when dealing with punishments or rewards. "Given out" is more general and doesn't necessarily carry those connotations. For example, rewards can be "given out", but punishment can be "meted out".