What does the phrasal verb “dole out” mean?

What are the definitions of “dole out”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Give out, distribute.

  They were DOLING OUT leaflets in front of the station.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “dole out”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb dole out is to give out or distribute something, usually in small amounts or portions. It can be used to describe sharing food, money, or other resources.

What are the different verb forms of “dole out”?

Root Verb	dole out
Third Person Singular Present	doles out
Present Participle	doling out
Simple Past	doled out
Past Participle	doled out

Example

The teacher doled out the test papers to the students.

Example

She doles out the candy to the children at the party.

Example

He is doling out the flyers to the passersby.

Example

Yesterday, they doled out the supplies to the disaster victims.

Example

The food was doled out to the hungry people in the shelter.

What kind of phrasal verb is “dole out”?

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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

“dole 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

The government doled out financial aid to the affected families.

Example

She doled out the cookies to her classmates.

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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

“dole 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

The government doled out financial aid to the affected families.

Example

She doled out the cookies to her classmates.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “dole out”?

Dole out advice

To give advice or guidance, often in a generous or unsolicited manner.

Example

My grandmother always doles out advice on how to live a happy life.

Dole out punishment

To give or assign punishment, often in a controlled or measured way.

Example

The judge doled out a fair punishment to the defendant.

Dole out responsibilities

To assign tasks or duties to others, often in a fair or balanced manner.

Example

The team leader doled out responsibilities to each team member according to their skills.

Good things to know

Does “dole out” have an informal or formal tone?

Dole out is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as in business or academic discussions.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “dole out”?

Synonyms

• distribute
• allocate
• dispense
• share
• divide
• assign
• apportion
• give out
• deal out
• hand out

Antonyms

• collect
• gather
• receive
• hold
• keep
• retain
• withhold
• reserve
• maintain
• take in