are sprinkled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are sprinkled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is scattered or distributed in small amounts over a surface or throughout a mixture. Example: "The cookies are sprinkled with powdered sugar before serving to add a touch of sweetness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Fun facts are sprinkled throughout.

The New York Times

Several stellar solos are sprinkled within.

Stanford University

No herbs are sprinkled in superfluously.

The New York Times - Food

The streets are sprinkled with broken glass.

The New York Times

Clues are sprinkled throughout the novel.

The New York Times

Relevant immune modeling use cases are sprinkled throughout the chapters.

Computational Immunology Models and Tools

Truisms are sprinkled like whatever the opposite of salt is.

The New York Times

The pastries are sprinkled with green tea powder.

Independent

Most of Madagascar's goodies are sprinkled hundreds of miles apart.

The New York Times - Travel

Additional battery projects, and potential projects, are sprinkled around Texas.

The New York Times

Pizzerias are sprinkled across the town, as are Korean restaurants.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are sprinkled" when you want to convey a light and somewhat random distribution of elements, whether physical or abstract. For example, "The script is sprinkled with humor."

Common error

While "are sprinkled" is versatile, avoid overuse in highly formal or scientific writing. Opt for more precise alternatives like "are distributed" or "are dispersed" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are sprinkled" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that a subject receives the action of being lightly scattered or distributed. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is frequently used to describe the distribution of items or qualities throughout something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are sprinkled" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe items or qualities that are lightly scattered or distributed throughout something. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment. It is particularly prevalent in News & Media contexts and maintains a neutral register, suitable for diverse writing styles. When aiming for greater precision in formal or scientific writing, alternatives like "are distributed" or "are dispersed" may be more appropriate. This phrase effectively conveys a sense of intermittent presence without heavy concentration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are scattered

Focuses on the distribution of elements across a space.

are distributed

Implies a more even or planned distribution.

are dotted

Suggests a pattern of small, distinct marks or items.

are dispersed

Indicates a spreading out, often implying a reduction in concentration.

are spread

Highlights the action of covering a surface with something.

are strewn

Suggests a more random or haphazard distribution.

are flecked

Implies the presence of small spots or patches.

are bestrewn

A more formal or literary term for scattering something.

are studded

Suggests a dense or prominent distribution of items.

are peppered

Indicates a frequent or widespread distribution, often with negative connotations.

FAQs

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

The phrase "are sprinkled" is used to describe items that are lightly scattered or distributed throughout something. For example, "Fun facts "are sprinkled" throughout the article".

What can I say instead of "are sprinkled"?

You can use alternatives like "are scattered", "are distributed", or "are dotted" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "are sprinkled" or "are scattered"?

Both "are sprinkled" and "are scattered" can be correct, but they imply slightly different distributions. "Are sprinkled" suggests a lighter, more random distribution, while "are scattered" can imply a broader or more dispersed distribution.

What's the difference between "are sprinkled" and "are covered"?

"Are sprinkled" suggests a light, uneven distribution, while "are covered" implies a more thorough and complete application over a surface. The choice depends on the degree of distribution you wish to convey.