try to dispense

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "try to dispense" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when attempting to distribute or provide something, such as information or resources. Example: "We will try to dispense the necessary materials to all participants before the workshop begins."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

You end up with movements like Occupy Wall Street and the Tea Parties that try to dispense with authority altogether.

The New York Times

I will try to dispense with this quickly.

Huffington Post

ECMC subsidiaries handle all aspects of loan servicing: educating borrowers about ways to avoid default, collecting on defaulted loans and the more controversial practice of challenging borrowers who try to dispense student loan debt in U.S. Bankruptcy Court.

Los Angeles Times

Most long-time schwarzfahrers agree that weekend nights are de facto control-free, because it would be cruel and unusual punishment for all involved try to dispense tickets to the belligerent Saturday night crowds.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Perhaps the authorities are trying to get sensitive information, perhaps they are trying to dispense extra-legal punishment.

The New York Times

While she may still disagree with some of Miss Natbony's decisions, she is trying to dispense advice only when asked.

The New York Times

One received view he tries to dispense with is that Kissinger as a young man was a "dour conformist", and among his evidence is a cocker spaniel called Smoky.

The Guardian - Books

In front of Grand Central Terminal just after noon, about 100 travelers formed a semicircle around Millie Martinez, a New York City Transit employee, as she held a megaphone and tried to dispense advice.

The New York Times

The Comanches haven't wanted these goods when Samuel tried to dispense them and, it turns out, they don't really want them after stealing them: Samuel finds the mules "wandering around the Keechi Hills draped in yards of flowered cloth".

The New York Times - Books

The result is every bit as hilarious as the scene in Goldoni's The Servant of Two Masters where the hero finds himself madly trying to dispense two meals simultaneously.

The Guardian

You'd think all this would bring a woman some happiness, but Burma still toils at Redds, driven by "loyalty and duty" even as she fights lawsuits from thwarted heirs and tries to dispense her fortune in accordance with her best do-gooder impulses.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "try to dispense", consider whether a more specific verb like "distribute", "provide", or "administer" would be more precise and impactful.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "try to dispense" can sound somewhat vague in formal or business writing. Opt for stronger verbs that clearly convey the action being taken. For example, use "administer the medication" rather than "try to dispense the medication".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "try to dispense" functions as a verb phrase indicating an attempt to distribute or provide something. It combines the action of attempting ("try") with the act of giving out or providing ("dispense"). Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "try to dispense" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe an attempt to distribute or provide something. While considered rare, it appears in news and scientific contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. For more formal settings, consider using stronger synonyms like "distribute", "provide", or "administer". When employing this phrase, ensure that the attempt or effort to distribute is appropriately emphasized. Remember to explore the related phrases for alternative ways to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

try to furnish

Shorter form using "furnish" instead of "dispense".

attempt to distribute

Focuses on the action of distributing something, emphasizing the effort to spread it out.

endeavor to provide

Highlights the effort to supply or furnish something needed or desired.

seek to administer

Implies a more formal or official approach to giving out or managing something.

aim to allocate

Emphasizes the intentional distribution of resources or items for a specific purpose.

strive to furnish

Focuses on the dedication to supplying what is necessary or useful.

work to grant

Highlights the effort involved in bestowing or conferring something upon someone.

make an effort to supply

Emphasizes the exertion of energy to ensure something is provided.

undertake to allocate

Implies a formal commitment to the distribution of resources or items.

take steps to distribute

Focuses on the specific actions taken to ensure something is spread out.

FAQs

How can I use "try to dispense" in a sentence?

You can use "try to dispense" when you are attempting to give out something, like advice or medication. For example: "The doctor will "try to dispense" the correct dosage."

What are some alternatives to "try to dispense"?

Alternatives to "try to dispense" include "attempt to distribute", "endeavor to provide", or "seek to administer", depending on the context.

Is "try to dispense" formal or informal?

"Try to dispense" falls in a neutral register. It can be used in various contexts, but more formal synonyms might be preferred in professional or academic settings.

What's the difference between "try to dispense" and "dispense"?

"Dispense" means to give out or provide something. "Try to dispense" implies an attempt or effort to give out something, suggesting it might not be easily accomplished.