a scattering of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a scattering of" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is often used to describe a small or random distribution of something. Example: As I walked through the forest, I noticed a scattering of colorful wildflowers growing along the path.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Food

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A scattering of 1-yen coins.

The New York Times

A scattering of children.

The New York Times

Maybe even a scattering of Gypsies?

The New Yorker

There is also a scattering of condominiums.

The New York Times

There was a scattering of applause.

The Guardian - Arts

A scattering of pecans made an inspired addition.

The New York Times

A scattering of pomegranate seeds makes for a beautiful garnish.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There has been a scattering of demonstrations against Mr. Charest.

The New York Times

Middle Village also has a scattering of condominium apartments.

The New York Times

A scattering of scallion and crispy skin topped it off.

The New York Times - Food

There is some beech and a scattering of conifers.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a scattering of" to describe a light, random distribution of items or elements across a space or group. This phrasing adds a touch of visual imagery to your writing.

Common error

While "a scattering of" is suitable for general writing, avoid overusing it in formal or scientific contexts where more precise quantitative language is preferred. Instead, consider using terms like "sparse distribution" or "low concentration" for greater accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a scattering of" primarily functions as a determiner followed by a noun, indicating a small, sparsely distributed quantity or presence. It modifies the noun to describe its arrangement or distribution, as seen in examples like "a scattering of children" or "a scattering of houses". Ludwig AI confirms the correct and common usage of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Food

10%

Travel

8%

Less common in

Lifestyle

7%

Arts

3%

Magazine

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a scattering of" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe a sparse, random distribution of items or elements. As Ludwig AI highlights, its grammatical status is correct, and it finds frequent application across diverse contexts, most notably in news media, food writing, and travel narratives. When writing, remember that while generally suitable, "a scattering of" might be less appropriate in highly formal or scientific contexts where more precise language is expected. Consider alternatives like "a smattering of" or "a sparse distribution of" to fine-tune your writing's tone and precision. Keep in mind that while "a scattering of" implies randomness, phrases like "a cluster of" suggest a grouping or concentration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sparse distribution of

More formal and technical, emphasizing the lack of density in the distribution.

a smattering of

Indicates a small, uneven distribution, similar to "a scattering of", but often implies a less random arrangement.

a sprinkling of

Suggests a light, scattered distribution, often used for fine particles or elements.

a dusting of

Implies a very light and sparse covering, similar to a fine layer of dust.

a handful of

Denotes a small quantity, typically what can be held in one hand, suggesting a limited number.

a few

A simple and direct way to indicate a small number of items or elements.

a trace of

Suggests a minimal presence, often barely noticeable.

a spot of

Used to indicate a small amount or instance of something, often in a localized area.

a touch of

Implies a slight addition or presence, often used in cooking or art.

an occasional instance of

Emphasizes the infrequency of occurrence rather than the spatial distribution.

FAQs

How can I use "a scattering of" in a sentence?

Use "a scattering of" to describe a small, random distribution of items. For example, "There was "a scattering of coins" on the floor" or "A scattering of houses dotted the landscape."

What are some alternatives to "a scattering of"?

Alternatives include "a smattering of", "a sprinkling of", or "a sparse distribution of", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a scattering of" appropriate for formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "a scattering of" may be less suitable for highly formal or scientific writing. In such cases, consider using more precise or technical language like "sparse distribution" or "low density".

What's the difference between "a scattering of" and "a cluster of"?

"A scattering of" implies a random and dispersed distribution, while "a cluster of" suggests a grouping or concentration in a specific area. For example, "a scattering of stars" suggests they are spread across the sky, whereas "a cluster of stars" indicates a dense grouping.