What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
distribute
Example
The teacher will distribute the handouts to the students. [distribute: verb]
Example
The company distributes its products to stores all over the country. [distributes: present tense]
dispense
Example
The pharmacist will dispense the medication to the patient. [dispense: verb]
Example
The vending machine dispensed a can of soda. [dispensed: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Distribute is more common in everyday language than dispense. Distribute is versatile and can be used in various contexts, while dispense is more specific and often used in professional or medical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between distribute and dispense?
Dispense has a more formal or professional connotation than distribute, which is more neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
