should be dispensed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should be dispensed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the distribution or provision of something, often in a formal or instructional context. Example: "In this situation, medication should be dispensed only by a licensed pharmacist."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

"The guidelines are clear that drugs should be dispensed as a last resort.

The Guardian

The day came when the dressings could, should, be dispensed with.

The New Yorker

Or does terrorism pose such a danger that the criminal justice system's usual safeguards should be dispensed with?

The Economist

But these attempts will be insufficient unless our patients realise that antibiotics are neither an entitlement nor a panacea but a valuable treatment that should be dispensed prudently.

The Guardian - Opinion

Perhaps both characterizations amount to the same thing, the belief that the meager bounty of the literary world should be dispensed as equitably as possible.

The New York Times - Books

Mansuri: "Even the House of Lords select committee did not think that it should be dispensed with or that social workers were being overly 'politically correct'".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

"I think we should be dispensing with his services.

Independent

I called Cigar Aficionado — the Vogue magazine of the fashion for big smokes — and asked George Brightman, director of business development, why I should be dispensing gaspers.

Forbes

The debt limit should ideally be dispensed with, but, at a minimum, it can no longer be held for ransom.

The New York Times

The $18.4 billion promised by Congress for Iraq's reconstruction should not be dispensed without some outside oversight.

The Economist

It should not be dispensed more frequently than 1 dose in a 24-hour period.

Core Evidence

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "should be dispensed" in medical contexts, ensure clarity regarding who is authorized to dispense the medication or treatment.

Common error

Avoid using "should be dispensed" in casual conversation; opt for simpler alternatives like "give out" or "hand out" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should be dispensed" functions as a modal passive construction, indicating that something is recommended or required to be given out or distributed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's usable in English for discussing distribution in a formal or instructional way. Examples in the provided data illustrate its use in medical, legal, and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "should be dispensed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to advise or instruct on the proper distribution of something, often carrying a sense of responsibility or necessity. Predominantly found in scientific and news contexts, it maintains a neutral to formal register. Alternative phrases like "ought to be distributed" or "must be administered" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. When using "should be dispensed", clarity is essential, particularly in regulated contexts like medicine. Overuse in informal settings should be avoided to maintain a natural tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ought to be distributed

Indicates a moral obligation or advisability in distributing something. Slightly more formal than "should be dispensed".

should be supplied

Focuses on the act of supplying or furnishing something. Implies a responsibility to provide.

needs to be provided

Emphasizes the necessity of providing something. Focuses on the need rather than the action of dispensing.

must be administered

Highlights the requirement for something to be administered, often in a medical or formal context. Implies a strict necessity.

needs to be allocated

Stresses the necessity for resources or items to be allocated effectively and justly.

has to be allocated

Focuses on the allocation or assignment of resources. Suitable when discussing distribution strategies.

is required to be given

Emphasizes the mandatory nature of giving something. More verbose and formal.

must be handed out

Highlights the mandatory nature of giving something, but it is a more informal expression.

is to be issued

Highlights the action of issuing something, usually officially. Suitable for formal announcements or procedures.

shall be provided

A formal and legalistic way of stating that something will be provided. Often used in contracts or regulations.

FAQs

How to use "should be dispensed" in a sentence?

Use "should be dispensed" to indicate that something needs to be distributed or provided, often following specific guidelines or regulations. For example, "Medication "should be dispensed" by a licensed pharmacist".

What can I say instead of "should be dispensed"?

You can use alternatives like "ought to be distributed", "needs to be provided", or "must be administered" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "should be dispensed" or "should be distribute"?

"Should be dispensed" is correct. "Dispensed" is the past participle form of the verb "dispense", which is needed in the passive voice. "Distribute" is the base form of the verb and would be grammatically incorrect in this context.

What's the difference between "should be dispensed" and "must be dispensed"?

"Should be dispensed" implies a recommendation or advisability, while "must be dispensed" indicates a strict requirement or obligation. The latter suggests a higher level of necessity.