are dispersed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are dispersed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of something being spread out or scattered over an area or among a group. Example: "The seeds are dispersed by the wind, allowing them to grow in various locations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

They are dispersed.

The New York Times

His animal spirits are dispersed.

The Guardian - Books

Those who can are dispersed.

The Guardian - Business

Trends now are dispersed faster than ever.

The New York Times

The rest are dispersed across the globe.

The New York Times - Style

The bondholders are dispersed all over the world.

The Guardian

The vital signs are dispersed, but they are there.

The Guardian - Books

The weapons facilities are dispersed across dozens of sites.

The New Yorker

The seeds are edible and are dispersed by animals.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The adenosarcoma spectra are dispersed between the two groupings.

British Journal of Cancer

Adenoma and FNH samples are dispersed within the HCC cluster.

BMC Genomics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are dispersed", ensure the subject logically allows for scattering or spreading. For example, it works well with physical objects (seeds, particles) or abstract concepts (ideas, information).

Common error

Avoid using "are dispersed" with subjects that cannot be logically scattered or spread out. For instance, it's incorrect to say "The happiness are dispersed" since happiness is a state of being, not a physical entity that can be distributed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are dispersed" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject is undergoing the action of being scattered or spread out. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase indicates a spreading action from one entity to many. Examples from Ludwig showcase this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

31%

Encyclopedias

18%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are dispersed" is a grammatically sound and commonly used passive verb phrase that describes the state of something being scattered or spread out. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is generally applicable across a variety of contexts, from describing populations to seeds. While it is versatile, it's important to use it with subjects that can logically undergo such an action. Predominantly found in news, science, and encyclopedic sources, the phrase maintains a neutral to formal tone, offering writers a reliable way to express distribution or scattering in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are scattered

Focuses on a random distribution of elements.

are spread out

Implies a widening of the area covered.

are distributed

Suggests a more organized or planned allocation.

are diffused

Highlights the blending or intermingling aspect of the distribution.

are disseminated

Emphasizes the act of spreading information or ideas widely.

are propagated

Implies the spreading or reproduction of something, like plants or signals.

are strewn

Conveys a sense of careless or haphazard scattering.

are sprinkled

Suggests a light and sparse distribution.

are dotted

Implies a pattern of small, distinct points or areas.

are dissipated

Focuses on the gradual disappearance or fading away of something.

FAQs

How can I use "are dispersed" in a sentence?

Use "are dispersed" to describe items or entities that are spread out or scattered. For example, "The seeds "are dispersed" by the wind" or "The protesters "are dispersed" by the police".

What's the difference between "are dispersed" and "are scattered"?

While both imply spreading out, "are dispersed" often suggests a wider or more even distribution, whereas "are scattered" can imply a more random or uneven distribution. Consider the context to choose the most appropriate term. For example, "The confetti "are scattered" unevenly across the floor", versus "The population "are dispersed" throughout the country".

What can I say instead of "are dispersed"?

You can use alternatives like ""are scattered"", "are spread out", or "are distributed" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "is dispersed" instead of "are dispersed"?

No, "is dispersed" is for singular subjects, while "are dispersed" is for plural subjects. For example, "The crowd is dispersed" (singular crowd) versus "The protesters "are dispersed"" (plural protesters).