be dispersed

USAGE SUMMARY

"be dispersed" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used in the passive voice to describe something becoming scattered or spread out in different directions. Example: The protesters were dispersed by the police after they refused to disband.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Their children will be dispersed.

The New York Times

Under the constitution, power will be dispersed.

The Economist

Millions of ballots had to be dispersed.

The New York Times

The events would be dispersed regionally.

The Guardian

More than half the money has yet to be dispersed.

The New York Times

Connors said the crowd would be dispersed "under managed conditions".

The Guardian

The bubbling up of innovation needs to be dispersed".

The Guardian - Tech

Remains still unclaimed will then be dispersed at sea.

The Economist

It can be dispersed and lose all sense of limits.

Independent

"Key public institutions ought to be dispersed outside London.

Independent

Farmsteads in the plains tend to be dispersed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be dispersed", ensure the subject clearly indicates what is being scattered or spread. For example, "The crowd was dispersed by the police" is clearer than "They were dispersed."

Common error

Avoid using "be dispersed" with a singular subject. The phrase implies multiple entities or a mass being scattered, so a plural subject or collective noun is usually more appropriate. Example: Instead of "The protester was dispersed", use "The protesters were dispersed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be dispersed" functions as a passive verb construction. It indicates that the subject of the sentence is receiving the action of being scattered or spread out. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this passive usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be dispersed" is a very common and grammatically correct passive verb phrase used to describe the state of something being scattered or spread out. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it’s suitable for various writing styles, with a neutral register that makes it appropriate for news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. Usage examples indicate that ensuring subject-verb agreement is essential. Related phrases like "be scattered" or "be distributed" can serve as alternatives, depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be scattered

Replaces 'dispersed' with 'scattered', emphasizing a random distribution.

be spread out

Focuses on the spatial arrangement of being distributed over an area.

be distributed

Highlights the act of allocating or spreading something among a group or area.

be disseminated

Emphasizes the spreading of information or knowledge widely.

be diffused

Suggests a gradual spreading or permeation throughout an area.

be propagated

Focuses on the spreading or transmission of something, often ideas or beliefs.

be dissipated

Implies a gradual fading or vanishing through scattering.

be strewn

Highlights the act of scattering something loosely or carelessly.

be sprinkled

Suggests a light and scattered distribution.

be broadcast

Focuses on the wide dissemination of information, often through media.

FAQs

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

The phrase "be dispersed" is used to describe something that is scattered or spread out. For example, "The seeds will "be dispersed" by the wind" or "The crowd was "be dispersed" by the police".

What's a good alternative to "be dispersed"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "be scattered", "be spread out", or "be distributed" instead of "be dispersed".

Is "disperse" or "be dispersed" more appropriate?

"Disperse" is an active verb, while "be dispersed" is a passive construction. Use "disperse" when the subject is actively scattering something (e.g., "The wind dispersed the seeds"). Use "be dispersed" when the subject is being scattered (e.g., "The seeds were "be dispersed" by the wind").

What does it mean for something to "be dispersed"?

When something is said to "be dispersed", it means that it is scattered, spread out, or distributed over a wider area. This can apply to physical objects, information, or even groups of people. Think of it as the opposite of being concentrated or gathered together.