Cool MateDistribute vs Supply
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Distribute
Supply
| Distribute | Supply | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/dɪˈstrɪbjuːt//ˈdɪstrɪbjuːt/","/dɪˈstrɪbjuːts//ˈdɪstrɪbjuːts/","/dɪˈstrɪbjuːtɪd//ˈdɪstrɪbjuːtɪd/","/dɪˈstrɪbjuːtɪŋ//ˈdɪstrɪbjuːtɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/dɪˈstrɪbjuːt/","/dɪˈstrɪbjuːts/","/dɪˈstrɪbjuːtɪd/","/dɪˈstrɪbjuːtɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/səˈplaɪ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/səˈplaɪ/"]/ |
| Meaning | To give things out to many people. | to give or provide something that is needed |
| Example | The teacher decided to distribute the books to the students. | The company is struggling to meet the demand for their product due to a shortage in supply. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | B1 |
| Part of speech | verb | noun |
| Collocations | equally, fairly, unequally, among, between, to, internationally, nationally, exclusively, evenly, uniformly, unevenly, across, among, between | total, available, endless, have, get, lay in, increase, fall, exceed demand, chain, line, network, supply of, supply to, be in short supply, demand and supply, supply and demand, abundant, plentiful, limited, bring, bring in, lay in, hold out, last, be depleted, supply of |
| Antonyms | collect, withhold | demand, deprivation |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'distribute' vs 'contribute'., Using 'distribute' without an object., Saying 'distribute to everyone' instead of 'distribute to them'. | Confusing with 'supplement' when more than just providing is meant, Using as a noun instead of a verb, e.g., 'to supply' vs 'the supply', Incorrectly conjugating the verb in different tenses |
| Usage notes | Use 'distribute' when you're giving out items, like food or information. It's appropriate in both written and spoken contexts. Avoid it in very casual conversations where simpler words like 'give out' can be used. | Use 'supply' when referring to providing goods or resources. It is neutral and can be used in business, education, and everyday contexts. Avoid using it in very casual conversations. |
Frequently asked questions: Distribute vs Supply
What's the difference between Distribute and Supply?
Distribute: To give things out to many people. Supply: to give or provide something that is needed
Which is more common: Distribute and Supply?
Supply is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Distribute and Supply?
Distribute is the highest level, at B2, on the CEFR scale.
Are Distribute and Supply the same CEFR level?
Distribute: B2, Supply: B1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Distribute and Supply?
Distribute: verb, Supply: noun.
Can you show an example of each?
Distribute: The teacher decided to distribute the books to the students. Supply: The company is struggling to meet the demand for their product due to a shortage in supply.
Can I use Distribute and Supply interchangeably?
Not always. Distribute and Supply are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.