Meaning trap
hand out
dispense punishment or criticism
to impose or deliver punishment, criticism, or other negative consequences, often in an official or authoritative way.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
to impose or deliver punishment, criticism, or other negative consequences, often in an official or authoritative way.
'hand out' also has the more basic meaning 'distribute'; this is the advanced sense.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
- The coach was quick to hand out criticism after the team's disappointing performance.justice
- Some argue that schools should not hand out harsh punishments for minor infractions, as this can damage students' motivation.IELTS speaking
Fix the pattern
Pattern: hand out + punishment/criticism/sentence
WrongThe referee handed out him a red card.
RightThe 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').
Patternhand out + punishment/criticism/sentence
Use it right
Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.
In news/speech, courts 'hand out' sentences and fines; 'impose a custodial sentence' is legal register.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
hand out + penaltyfinespunishmenta sentencepenalties
Don't confuse it
Unlike the B1 sense of physically distributing objects, this sense is figurative and refers to giving out non-material things like punishment, criticism, or sentences.
Related
- hand out (distribute) — 'hand out' also has the more basic meaning 'distribute'; this is the advanced sense.