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hand out — 2 meanings

One phrase, 2 meanings. Learn them one at a time, then test yourself.

phrasal verb2 meanings
hand out
1distribute2dispense punishment or criticism

Meaning 1 · most common

distribute

  • hand out sth to sb

to give something to each person in a group, usually by passing it to them one by one.

How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

The teacher handed out the test papers to the students.

A: Can you help me hand out these flyers at the event?
B: Sure, just give me a stack.

Common mistake

Not: She handed out us the papers.

Say: She handed out the papers to us. / handed us the papers.

'Hand out' + the thing; the recipient takes 'to' ('hand them out to us').

More on “distribute”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In my school, teachers often hand out worksheets at the beginning of each lesson to help us follow along.

Tell it apart

They handed out the leaflets.

  • distributed to a group

The referee handed out a red card.

  • imposed a penalty — sense

Goes with

  • hand out + items
Practice saying this
Next meaning: dispense punishment or criticism

Meaning 2

dispense punishment or criticism

  • hand out punishment/criticism/sentence

to impose or deliver punishment, criticism, or other negative consequences, often in an official or authoritative way.

How oftenNow and then
LevelC1
Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

The coach was quick to hand out criticism after the team's disappointing performance.

A: Did you hear about the new policy at work?
B: Yeah, management is really handing out warnings for even minor mistakes now.

Common mistake

Not: The referee handed out him a red card.

Say: The referee handed him a red card. / handed out a red card.

When both the person and the thing appear, drop 'out' ('handed him a card') or keep it without the person ('handed out cards').

More on “dispense punishment or criticism”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

Some argue that schools should not hand out harsh punishments for minor infractions, as this can damage students' motivation.

Tell it apart

The court handed out heavy fines.

  • imposed penalties

The teacher handed out the worksheets.

  • distributed items

Goes with

  • hand out + penalty
Practice saying this
Test yourself: which one is it?

Turn this into speaking practice

Pick a meaning and say it out loud. Save the ones you mix up.

distributedispense punishment or criticism