are scattered around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are scattered around" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe objects or people that are distributed in various locations or positions within a certain area. Example: "The toys are scattered around the living room, making it difficult to walk without stepping on one."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Desirable benches are scattered around, bearing discreet price tags.

Independent

Ordinary retail businesses are scattered around mostly residential areas, not entertainment districts.

Crime Science

The relics are scattered around the city.

The New Yorker

The rest are scattered around the world.

The New Yorker

Dozens of farmhouses are scattered around town.

The Washington Post

Ariak's belongings are scattered around the room.

The Guardian

Such places are scattered around the country.

The New York Times

Bamboo, leis and tribal masks are scattered around the place.

The New York Times

Other family members are scattered around the Middle East.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

His intellectual offspring are scattered around the world.

The Guardian

The other five paintings are scattered around the world.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are scattered around" when describing items or entities that are distributed somewhat randomly or non-uniformly within a defined area. Be specific about the area in question to provide context.

Common error

While "are scattered around" is perfectly acceptable, it can sometimes sound too informal for academic or professional writing. Consider alternatives like "are distributed throughout" or "are dispersed among" in more formal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are scattered around" primarily functions as a descriptive verb phrase, indicating the spatial distribution of multiple objects or entities within a specific area. Ludwig AI examples show its use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

22%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are scattered around" is a common and generally acceptable way to describe items or entities distributed randomly or non-uniformly within an area. As Ludwig AI highlights, it functions as a descriptive verb phrase, informing the audience about the location and arrangement of items. While versatile, consider using more formal alternatives in academic or professional writing. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media sources, showing its widespread usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are dispersed throughout

Emphasizes a more even and wider distribution compared to the original phrase.

are spread across

Suggests a broader and potentially less dense distribution over a surface or area.

are strewn about

Implies a more random and less organized scattering.

are dotted around

Suggests small, distinct instances distributed across an area.

are peppered throughout

Similar to 'dotted around' but implies a slightly denser distribution.

are distributed among

Focuses on the allocation or apportionment of items within a group or area.

are sprinkled around

Suggests a light and sparse distribution, like sprinkling a topping.

are positioned throughout

Indicates a more intentional placement or arrangement across an area.

are diffused across

Suggests a spreading or thinning out of something across an area.

are sprinkled across

Implies a more random and uncontrolled distribution over a surface.

FAQs

How can I use "are scattered around" in a sentence?

The phrase "are scattered around" describes items or entities distributed somewhat randomly within an area. For example, "Toys are scattered around the playroom", or "Offices of different sizes "are scattered around" the building".

What's the difference between "are scattered around" and "are spread out"?

"Are scattered around" implies a more random and less even distribution than "are spread out". "Are spread out" suggests a wider and potentially more uniform distribution across an area.

What are some alternatives to "are scattered around"?

Alternatives include "are dispersed throughout", "are spread across", or "are strewn about", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "are scattered around" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "are scattered around" may sound too informal for certain academic or professional contexts. Consider more formal alternatives like "are distributed throughout" or "are dispersed among" for a more sophisticated tone.