Phrasal verb
parcel out
Definition
phrasal verb. To divide something into smaller parts so you can give them to different people or groups. You use this when sharing things like land, money, or work.
phrasal verb. To divide a whole into smaller portions for distribution or allocation. This transitive verb often implies a systematic or deliberate division of resources, responsibilities, or land.
Examples
“The manager needs to parcel out the work to the team.”
“After the grandfather passed away, the family had to parcel out his large estate among the five grandchildren.”
“The committee spent weeks deciding how to parcel out the remaining grant funds among the various competing research projects to ensure maximum impact.”
Examples
simple
“The manager needs to parcel out the work to the team.”
contextual
“After the grandfather passed away, the family had to parcel out his large estate among the five grandchildren.”
complex
“The committee spent weeks deciding how to parcel out the remaining grant funds among the various competing research projects to ensure maximum impact.”
Usage
This phrase is commonly used for dividing land, money, or specific tasks among a group.
Teaching tip
Contrast with 'hand out' to show that 'parcel out' implies a more careful or formal process of deciding who gets what.
Pitfall
We need to parcel the tasks.
We need to parcel out the tasks.
The verb 'parcel' alone usually means to wrap a package, whereas 'parcel out' is required to mean distribution.
Phrasal verb
Particles
out
Separability
optional
Pattern
parcel + out + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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