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hand it out

A2 neutral separable transitive
In simple words

To give something (already mentioned) to a group of people.

Literal meaning: To use your hand to pass a specific thing outward to others.

Meanings

1 A2 neutral

To distribute a specific item (previously mentioned) to a number of people.

"We printed the new schedule — can you hand it out to everyone in the office?"

Grammar: separable
2 B1 idiomatic informal

(Informal) To deliver criticism, punishment, or advice freely to others.

"He's great at handing it out but he can't take criticism himself."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

This is essentially 'hand out' with the pronoun 'it' placed in the middle. Used when the object has already been mentioned. Not a separate phrasal verb from 'hand out' — the 'it' is just the pronoun standing in for the object.

Commonly used with

flyer leaflet form food prize

Forms

Base
hand it out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
hands it out
he/she/it
Past simple
handed it out
yesterday
Past participle
handed it out
have + pp
-ing form
handing it out
continuous

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Synonyms

distribute it give it out pass it out dish it out hand out

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