The phrasal verb "hand out" is commonly used in informal settings, though it can also be found in formal contexts depending on the circumstances. In informal usage, it often refers to the act of distributing items, such as flyers, pamphlets, or tasks, among a group of people. For example, a teacher might "hand out" worksheets to students during class. In formal settings, such as at a conference or a business meeting, the same phrase might be used to denote the distribution of materials like agendas, reports, or promotional materials relevant to the event. Generally, "hand out" implies a direct, physical act of giving or passing something from one person to others, emphasizing the action's orderly nature compared to "give out," which might convey a more indiscriminate distribution. This phrasal verb is practical and versatile across various scenarios, lending itself well to both literal and occasionally figurative uses, like 'handing out compliments.'
B2
UpperIntermediate
1. To distribute or give something to several people.
The teacher handed out the assignments at the start of class.
Volunteers were handing out flyers to passersby.
She handed out awards to the winners after the competition.
The coach handed out the new uniforms before the game.
During the festival, they handed out free samples to the attendees.
2. To give something, especially advice or information, freely or generously.
He is always there to hand out advice to anyone who needs it.
She hesitated to hand out such information without checking it first.
The doctor handed out valuable health tips to the audience.
He handed out his homemade cookies to everyone at the party.
The speaker handed out wisdom from his years of experience.