What are the definitions of “dish out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Serve food.
I DISHED OUT the dinner.
- 2Give something, usually when you shouldn't.
Doctors have been DISHING OUT viagra to anyone who asks for it.
- 3Criticise, when you can't take criticism in return.
He DISHES it OUT, but gets all hurt when anyone responds.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “dish out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb dish out is to serve food, usually by putting it onto plates or into bowls. It is often used when talking about preparing and serving meals at home or in a restaurant.
What are the different verb forms of “dish out”?
| Root Verb | dish out |
| Third Person Singular Present | dishes out |
| Present Participle | dishing out |
| Simple Past | dished out |
| Past Participle | dished out |
Example
She always dishes out generous portions of food.
Example
He dishes out the soup to everyone at the table.
Example
She is dishing out the salad for the guests.
Example
Yesterday, they dished out a delicious meal for the party.
Example
The food was dished out and everyone enjoyed it.
What kind of phrasal verb is “dish out”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“dish out” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She dished out the pasta to everyone.
Example
He dished the food out for the guests.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“dish out” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She dished out the pasta to everyone.
Example
He dished the food out for the guests.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “dish out”?
To give punishment, often in a strict or severe manner.
Example
The teacher was known for dishing out harsh punishments to students who misbehaved.
Good things to know
Does “dish out” have an informal or formal tone?
Dish out is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in everyday conversations. It may not be suitable for formal writing or professional settings. In more formal contexts, alternatives such as 'serve' or 'distribute' can be used.
